In a dramatic turn of events that brought relief to millions and caught the attention of the world, India and Pakistan agreed to a full ceasefire after four days of intense hostilities across the border. The ceasefire, effective from 5 PM on May 10, 2025, includes a complete stop to military action across land, air, and sea. The announcement came just hours after United States President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to declare the success of a US-mediated peace effort.
President Trump posted, "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."
This announcement followed intense behind-the-scenes negotiations reportedly led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. Rubio confirmed that over a 48-hour window, top officials from both India and Pakistan were engaged, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Pakistani NSA Asim Malik, and senior military leaders from both sides. The talks culminated in an understanding that both countries would halt all offensive military operations immediately.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri issued a formal statement confirming the agreement. “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. Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The Director Generals will speak again on May 12 at 12:00 hours,” he said.
Indian officials emphasized that the initiative to restart communication was taken by Pakistan. The call came from the Pakistani DGMO earlier in the day, leading to a structured discussion and the eventual understanding. However, sources also made it clear that this understanding is strictly limited to a cessation of hostilities and does not imply a broader commitment to dialogue or peace talks on other issues. “There is no decision to hold talks on any other issue at any other place,” they asserted.
India had earlier warned that any terrorist act would be considered an act of war, a sentiment echoed in the firm tone adopted by Indian leadership following the ceasefire announcement. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar posted on social media that while both countries have “worked out an understanding,” India’s stance against terrorism remains non-negotiable. “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,” he stated.
Before the ceasefire breakthrough, the United States had maintained a cautious distance, with early comments suggesting they would not intervene in what was termed as “a war fundamentally none of our business.” However, the rapid shift in US diplomacy and its visible role in mediating between the nuclear-armed neighbors has added a new dimension to America’s strategic presence in South Asia.
The international community has responded to the ceasefire with cautious optimism, viewing it as a positive but fragile step towards de-escalation. Military analysts have pointed out that while the ceasefire covers all domains land, air, and sea the real test will lie in its implementation and the trust-building measures that may or may not follow. This development marks one of the rare moments of cooperation between India and Pakistan in recent years, though India continues to stress that peace can only be sustained if Pakistan demonstrates zero tolerance toward terrorism. With another round of DGMO talks scheduled for May 12, it remains to be seen whether this ceasefire will hold or become another short-lived pause in a long-standing rivalry.
