"FULL AND IMMEDIATE...": Ceasefire Announced Between India and Pakistan

ndia and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire, putting a pause on days of heightened military tensions following the launch of India’s Operation Sindoor that came in retaliation to the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack. The move comes after diplomatic efforts and mediation led by the United States.

The ceasefire was first confirmed by US President Donald Trump. “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE,” he wrote. “Congratulations to both countries for using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a press briefing held on Saturday, said that the ceasefire was finalised following a conversation between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations. “The Director General of Military Operations of Pakistan called the DGMO of India at 1535 hours earlier this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, in the air and sea, with effect from 1700 hours IST today,” Misri said. He added that the DGMOs will speak again on 12 May at 1200 hours to assess the implementation of the ceasefire.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also acknowledged the agreement in a post on social media platform X. “India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action,” he stated. Jaishankar reiterated that India has “consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism.”

From the Pakistani side, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the ceasefire, declaring on X, “Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect. Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity!”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that the agreement was the result of intense negotiations involving both himself and Vice President JD Vance. According to Rubio, the United States facilitated talks with senior officials from both countries over the past two days. He also noted that the two governments have agreed to begin discussions on a “broad set of issues” at a neutral venue.

The development follows a major escalation after a terrorist strike in Pahalgam claimed 26 lives. In response, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting nine terrorist training camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. According to Indian government sources, over 100 terrorists were eliminated in the operation. Two of the targeted locations – the Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters in Muridke and the Jaish-e-Mohammed base in Bahawalpur – have long been identified by Indian security agencies as major centres for cross-border terrorism.​