New Delhi: Following a period of heightened tensions and cross-border military exchanges, India and Pakistan have officially confirmed a mutual agreement to a “full and immediate ceasefire” effective from today, Saturday, May 10, 2025.
The announcement comes after a statement made earlier in the day by Donald J Trump, President United States, claiming that the two nations had come to an understanding after talks mediated by a third party.
India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, addressed the media stating that military commanders on both sides have been instructed to cease all military activities along the Line of Control (LoC), the International Border (IB), and in the air and sea.
“After several days of intense but necessary actions to safeguard our territorial integrity and respond to unprovoked aggression, India has agreed to a complete cessation of hostilities following direct communication between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations,” stated Shri Misri. He further added that this decision was taken in the interest of regional peace and stability, but reiterated India’s firm resolve to respond decisively to any future acts of terrorism or aggression.
Shortly after the Indian announcement, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, also confirmed the ceasefire in a press briefing in Islamabad. He stated that Pakistan has always sought peace in the region and that this agreement reflects a commitment to de-escalation. “Pakistan believes that peaceful dialogue and mutual respect are the way forward. This ceasefire is a step in that direction,” Mr. Dar said.
Reports indicate that the United States played a significant role in facilitating communication between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Sources suggest that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in the lead-up to this agreement.
This ceasefire comes after a period of increased military activity, including artillery shelling, drone attacks, and missile launches from both sides, triggered by a deadly terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22. India had responded with a series of strikes on what it claimed were terrorist infrastructure and military installations inside Pakistan.
While this announcement brings a welcome respite from the recent escalation, the underlying issues that have plagued India-Pakistan relations for decades remain. These include the long-standing dispute over Kashmir, cross-border terrorism, and mutual distrust.
The ceasefire is being cautiously welcomed by the international community, with many hoping it will pave the way for renewed diplomatic engagement between the two South Asian rivals. However, analysts caution that the sustainability of this agreement will depend on both sides adhering to its terms and taking concrete steps to address the root causes of their conflict.
Key Points:
- India and Pakistan have confirmed a “full and immediate ceasefire.”
- The ceasefire is effective from Saturday, May 10, 2025.
- The decision follows heightened military tensions in recent weeks.
- The United States is reported to have played a role in facilitating communication.
- The ceasefire encompasses the LoC, IB, air, and sea.
- While welcomed, the long-term impact on India-Pakistan relations remains to be seen.