NEW DELHI: India and Pakistan on Saturday agreed to an immediate ceasefire following a sharp escalation in cross-border tensions that began after the deadly April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.
The agreement came after what the United States described as intense diplomatic engagement over the past two days.
The initial escalation began when terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam on April 22. In response, India launched ' Operation Sindoor ' on May 7, targeting nine terror launchpads with 'precision strikes' in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Pakistan attempted to escalate the issue with drone attacks on regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan and Gujarat -- which were intercepted by Indian defence systems -- increasing fears of further conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Amid growing concern, the United States seeminlgy played a direct role in mediating between the two countries.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that he and US Vice President JD Vance had engaged in talks with senior officials of both India and Pakistan. He praised the Prime Ministers of both countries for choosing the path of peace.
Rubio said, “Over the past 48 hours, VP Vance and I have engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik. I am pleased to announce the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site. We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace.”
JD Vance also acknowledged the diplomatic effort.
“Great work from the President’s team, especially Secretary Rubio. And my gratitude to the leaders of India and Pakistan for their hard work and willingness to engage in this ceasefire," Vance posted on X
US President Donald Trump issued a statement shortly after the ceasefire announcement. He congratulated both India and Pakistan on using "common sense."
“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. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
The ceasefire came a day after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved the release of $1 billion to Pakistan under the Extended Fund Facility. India had earlier raised objections to the move, warning the funds could be misused for cross-border activities.
India also confirmed that it had reached an agreement with Pakistan to stop all military actions across land, air, and sea. The deal was made during a call between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both countries earlier on Saturday
"Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. They will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours," foreign secretary Vikram Misri said.
The agreement came after what the United States described as intense diplomatic engagement over the past two days.
The initial escalation began when terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam on April 22. In response, India launched ' Operation Sindoor ' on May 7, targeting nine terror launchpads with 'precision strikes' in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Pakistan attempted to escalate the issue with drone attacks on regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan and Gujarat -- which were intercepted by Indian defence systems -- increasing fears of further conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Amid growing concern, the United States seeminlgy played a direct role in mediating between the two countries.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that he and US Vice President JD Vance had engaged in talks with senior officials of both India and Pakistan. He praised the Prime Ministers of both countries for choosing the path of peace.
Rubio said, “Over the past 48 hours, VP Vance and I have engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik. I am pleased to announce the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site. We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace.”
JD Vance also acknowledged the diplomatic effort.
“Great work from the President’s team, especially Secretary Rubio. And my gratitude to the leaders of India and Pakistan for their hard work and willingness to engage in this ceasefire," Vance posted on X
US President Donald Trump issued a statement shortly after the ceasefire announcement. He congratulated both India and Pakistan on using "common sense."
“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. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
The ceasefire came a day after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved the release of $1 billion to Pakistan under the Extended Fund Facility. India had earlier raised objections to the move, warning the funds could be misused for cross-border activities.
India also confirmed that it had reached an agreement with Pakistan to stop all military actions across land, air, and sea. The deal was made during a call between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both countries earlier on Saturday
"Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. They will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours," foreign secretary Vikram Misri said.
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