Sixteen hours after his surprise announcement about a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, US President Donald Trump has now offered to work with the two neighbours to find a solution to the Kashmir issue. It must be pointed out that New Delhi has always stressed that Kashmir is an integral part of India and opposed third-party mediation. An Indian government response to the Trump offer is awaited.
"I am very proud of the strong and unwaveringly powerful leadership of India and Pakistan for having the strength, wisdom, and fortitude to fully know and understand that it was time to stop the current aggression that could have led to the death and destruction of so many, and so much. Millions of good and innocent people could have died! Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions," the US President posted on Truth Social, a social media platform he owns.
"I am proud that the USA was able to help you arrive at this historic and heroic decision. While not even discussed, I am going to increase trade, substantially, with both of these great Nations. Additionally, I will work with you both to see if, after a "thousand years," a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir. God Bless the leadership of India and Pakistan on a job well done," the US President added.
In a surprise move yesterday afternoon, Trump announced that India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire. The development was unexpected, considering the two sides had exchanged heavy fire just hours before, with India bombing airbases and key military facilities in Pakistan.
"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 US President posted.
Soon after, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he and US Vice President had been talking to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Pakistan's Army chief Asim Munir and National Security Advisors of the two countries 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," he said.
About half an hour later, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the ceasefire. He said India's Director General of Military Operations received a call from his Pakistan counterpart yesterday afternoon. "It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, and in the air and sea, with effect from 1700 hours IST Saturday," he said. "Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The DGMOs will talk again on May 12 at 1200 hours," he added.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, "India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so." Prime Minister Narendra Modi is yet to speak on the development. Significantly, none of the official responses from the Indian leadership highlighted the US role or detailed the terms based on which the ceasefire was agreed upon.
From the Pakistan side, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said 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," he said.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked US President Trump for his "leadership and proactive role for peace". "Pakistan appreciates the United States for facilitating this outcome, which we have accepted in the interest of regional peace and stability. We also thank Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their valuable contributions for peace in South Asia. Pakistan believes this marks a new beginning in the resolution of issues that have plagued the region and prevented its journey toward peace, prosperity and stability," he said.
Hours after the announcement, ceasefire violations were reported in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a fresh statement from the foreign secretary. "An understanding was reached this evening between the DGMOs of India and Pakistan to stop the military action that was going on for the last few days. For the last few hours, this understanding is being violated by Pakistan. The Indian Army is retaliating and dealing with this border intrusion. This intrusion is extremely condemnable and Pakistan is responsible for it. We believe that Pakistan should understand this situation properly and take appropriate action immediately to stop this intrusion," he said.
The ceasefire came after four days of spiralling tensions between India and Pakistan. In retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 innocents dead, India on May 7 launched Operation Sindoor and carried out airstrikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. New Delhi stressed that it did not target any civilian or military installations and that its sole objective was to strike terror outfits. Pakistan, however, responded with heavy shelling that led to civilian deaths and a barrage of drones and missiles targeted at civilian areas. India's air defence managed to intercept most of the projectiles. In response, India targeted Pakistan's military installations, including its key airbases, inflicting heavy damage.
Later, representatives of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force addressed a briefing and said that while they will adhere to the ceasefire, they remain "fully prepared and ever-vigilant and committed to defending the sovereignty and integrity of the motherland". "Every misadventure by Pakistan has been met with strength and every future escalation will invite a decisive response," they said.
