The sudden announcement of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire followed four days of steady escalation between India and Pakistan and mixed signals from Washington.

Pakistan tensions raise global concern amid economic fragility in Pakistan and rising defence costs on both sides.

Blasts were heard in Srinagar and Jammu and projectiles and flashes were seen in the night sky over Jammu, similar to the events of the previous evening, according to authorities, residents and Reuters witnesses.