After four days of hostilities that alarmed the world, India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire, stopping all military action as of 5 pm.
India confirmed the ceasefire shortly after US President Donald Trump announced it on his Truth Social platform.
"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!" Trump posted.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a brief statement, said: "Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan agreed that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, air and sea from 5 pm."
He added, "Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The Director General of Military Operations will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours."
India said the Pakistan DGMO initiated the call this afternoon, after which discussions took place and an understanding was reached.
"There is no decision to hold talks on any other issue at any other place," asserted sources.
Striking a note of caution after the ceasefire, the government said they remain "fully prepared" and "ever-vigilant" and any future escalation by Pakistan will invite a "decisive response".
The ceasefire with Pakistan is a conditional one and there is no change in India's position on the diplomatic measures against the neighbouring country, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, sources have said.
Shortly before the breakthrough, India had warned that "any act of terror will be considered an act of war".
India's statements following the ceasefire announcement underscored that warning.
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, confirming that the two countries have "worked out an understanding", said India would continue its uncompromising stance against terrorism.
"India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action. India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so," the Minister posted on X.
Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also confirmed the ceasefire.
"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," Mr Dar said in a post on X.
The already fraught ties between India and Pakistan took a big hit when terrorists opened fire at a famed meadow near Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam town, dubbed "mini Switzerland", on April 22 and started firing at tourists milling around eateries, taking pony rides or picnicking. 26 people were killed in the attack. India blamed Pakistan for the attack, a charge denied by Islamabad.
India launched a counterstrike, codenamed Operation Sindoor, in the early hours of Wednesday as a response to the attack that took place in Pahalgam and hit 9 terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
What followed was a wave of Pakistani attacks using drones and other munitions, which India said was "repulsed" by its forces, who gave a "befitting reply" to Islamabad's aggression.
Before claiming to broker peace, the US had said "we're not going to get involved in the middle of war that's fundamentally none of our business".
Soon after US President announced that a breakthrough has been reached, his Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he and Vice President JD Vance engaged with Indian and Pakistani officials, including the Prime Ministers of the two nations, to broker a truce.
"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," Mr Rubio posted on X.
Welcoming the decision, British Foreign Minister David Lammy said sustaining "de-escalation is in everybody's interest".
"Today's ceasefire between India and Pakistan is hugely welcome. I urge both parties to sustain this. De-escalation is in everybody's interest," Mr Lammy posted on X.
