The fragile truce between India and Pakistan seems to have been largely maintained on the first day after the initial skirmish as both countries opened Sunday to show that they ranked first in the four-day conflict.
President Trump announced on Saturday that the two sides agreed to a ceasefire with the help of US mediation. This has stopped military confrontation involving drones, missiles and strong shelling, and has also taken strikes on military bases in both countries.
Mr. Trump made a congratulation note under Sunday’s congratulations, praising both sides for “the strength, wisdom and perseverance to fully understand and understand that it is time to stop the current aggression, which could lead to the death and destruction of many.”
He added that he would “substantially” increase trade with the two countries and would work with them to see if a “solution” could be achieved to resolve their seven decades of disputes in Kashmir.
Pakistan, a formerly close ally of the United States, gradually faded its importance and praised the United States for its role as a mediator. But in India, the Trump administration’s public description of its role in mediation seems to touch some sensitive points politically.
The Indian government has long made its relationship with Pakistan a strict bilateral matter, and within hours of the announcement of the ceasefire, India said it had negotiated directly between Indian and Pakistani officials.
India did not mention the role of the United States, partly because it wanted to avoid any domestic perception, as it had stopped fighting with its neighbors and was in the master under external pressure.
On Sunday, a senior Indian official provided a timeline of conflict that acknowledged discussions with U.S. officials but said India was its own decision.
In talks with U.S. officials and diplomats from other countries, India insisted on a message: It will respond to every Pakistani attack.
The official said Pakistan's military force stormed some of Pakistan's major military bases after sending a wave of drones to India earlier on Saturday. At that time, Pakistan expressed willingness to hold talks through military leaders and both sides agreed to stop shooting, the official said.
Some supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government attribute the truce to the strength of the Indian armed forces. They believe Pakistan is forced to seek a ceasefire.
In a social media article, the Indian Air Force said it performed its mission with “precision and professionalism”.
The memes of victory are kept less and billboards pop up overnight. “Salute to the Indian Army – our pride, our protector.”
Some Indian officials say India's actions in the conflict illustrate the difficult position the country has taken on terrorism under Mr. Modi's leadership. India responded seriously in the terrorist attack on Kashmir, which was managed in India, and killed 26 civilians on April 22, attacking Pakistan.
India accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers – Pakistan denied any role – and launched a cross-border military campaign two weeks later.
In Pakistan, many people also regard the end of the confrontation as a victory for their national and military.
A videotape of the TV channel Geo news broadcast footage, where civilians drizzle petals on military tanks and place garlands around soldiers' necks, the city was scarred from past military conflicts between India and Pakistan.
Nadeem Farooq Paracha, a well-known Karachi columnist, said public sentiment reflects a sense of confidence that has never been seen in years.
“Pakistan may have only won the first war against India,” he said in an interview. “It has successfully endured a major Indian offensive and achieved some important military and diplomatic victories. India, on the other hand, has shown little to no avail.”
Sabir Shah, a political analyst based in Lahore, said the Pakistan Air Force showed an operational advantage.
“In terms of military hardware, India's losses must be much higher,” he said, claiming that five Indian aircraft were destroyed. India has not yet admitted to losing any aircraft, but evidence suggests it lost at least two aircraft, according to witness accounts and some government officials.
When both parties have gained gains and losses from the other party, the uncertainty is whether the ceasefire will be held. Shortly after Saturday's announcement, there were reports of cross-border shelling. But as of Sunday night, things seemed calm.
Sajad Shafi, a local politician from Uri, an Indian border town in Kashmir, said Sunday was “peaceful” so far.
“There is a huge relief between people,” he said.
But while civilians are desperate to go home, Mr. Shafi urges them to stay cautiously in the relief camp.
“You can't believe this kind of ceasefire,” he said. “You never know what's next.”
Suhasini Raj Reports were contributed from Lucknow, India.
