Washington/Islamabad/New Delhi: In a major diplomatic breakthrough, India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire, ending several days of heightened tensions and deadly cross-border attacks. The announcement was made by U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday following overnight negotiations facilitated by American officials.
“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,” President Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, his preferred social media platform.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2025
The ceasefire agreement follows days of military escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, sparked by the terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them tourists. The tragic incident had raised fears of a wider conflict in the region.
The U.S.-led mediation was spearheaded by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who held direct talks with top Indian and Pakistani leaders, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik.
Secretary Rubio, confirming the agreement, stated, “Over the past 48 hours, Vice President JD Vance and I have engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials. 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 for their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace.”
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…
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) May 10, 2025
The announcement was echoed by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who had earlier taken a more reserved stance, saying the conflict was “fundamentally none of our business.” His endorsement of the ceasefire marks a notable shift, suggesting growing bipartisan support within the U.S. administration for preventing further escalation in South Asia.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the development, reaffirming his country’s commitment to regional peace. “The government of Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region,” he stated.
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!
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 10, 2025
This development marks a rare diplomatic success in a region often marked by hostilities and mistrust. The planned talks, to be held at a yet-to-be-disclosed neutral venue, are expected to address a range of contentious issues, including terrorism, cross-border violence, and regional stability.