Washington, DC, May 10, 2025 — United States President Donald Trump announced a "full and immediate ceasefire" between India and Pakistan on Saturday, following days of heightened military conflict in the volatile South Asian region. The ceasefire, effective from 5:00 PM IST, was confirmed by officials in both New Delhi and Islamabad, though questions linger about its durability amid reports of continued unrest.
The announcement came after a terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. India responded with "Operation Sindoor," launching targeted strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, escalating tensions to levels unseen in decades. The conflict saw cross-border shelling, drone incursions, and cyberattacks, raising fears of a broader war between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
Trump, flanked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, claimed the ceasefire followed a "long night of talks" mediated by the United States. "We’ve worked tirelessly with Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Sharif to stop the violence," Trump said, describing the agreement as a step toward peace in the region. Rubio added that the deal includes provisions for future talks on broader issues at a neutral location, though details remain undisclosed.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the ceasefire, noting that Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations contacted India’s counterpart at 3:35 PM IST to agree on halting all military actions on land, air, and sea. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also acknowledged the truce, with Sharif publicly thanking Trump for the US’s "proactive role."
However, India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting emphasized that the agreement was negotiated directly between the two nations, downplaying the extent of US involvement. Sources familiar with the talks indicated the ceasefire is conditional, with India maintaining its firm stance against terrorism and no immediate reversal of diplomatic measures, such as the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Despite the agreement, reports of explosions and drone activity in Srinagar and Jammu hours after the ceasefire took effect raised concerns about its stability. No official statements from either side have confirmed violations, but the incidents underscore the fragility of the truce.
International reactions were swift. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy called the ceasefire "hugely welcome" and urged both nations to sustain it. The US Foreign Affairs Committee praised Trump, dubbing him the “President of Peace.” However, domestic voices in India expressed skepticism. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the involvement of foreign powers, insisting that Kashmir remains India’s internal matter.
In border areas like Srinagar and Poonch, residents expressed cautious relief but tempered optimism. "We’ve seen ceasefires before," said a shopkeeper in Poonch. "They don’t last unless the root issues are addressed." The Kashmir issue, a long-standing point of contention, continues to fuel mistrust between the two nations.
The ceasefire marks a rare moment of de-escalation in India-Pakistan relations, but its success hinges on sustained diplomatic efforts and addressing underlying tensions. As the world watches, the region remains on edge, hopeful yet wary of what lies ahead.
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