India and Pakistan agree to ceasefire after US-mediated talks

US mediates a breakthrough ceasefire as India and Pakistan agree to immediate de-escalation

NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD (MNTV) – India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire, marking a significant step towards de-escalation after recent hostilities.

The ceasefire followed Pakistan’s launch of “Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos,” a large-scale retaliatory operation in response to Indian missile strikes, dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” earlier this week on Pakistani territory.

The announcement was made by US President Donald Trump via his account on the 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,” Trump stated. He praised both nations for demonstrating “common sense and great intelligence” in reaching the agreement.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the intensive diplomacy leading to the agreement.

Over the past 48 hours, Rubio and Vice President JD Vance engaged with top officials from both countries, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and senior military and diplomatic leaders.

“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,” Rubio posted on X, commending the leaders for their “wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship.”

According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, both nations have committed to initiate talks addressing a wide range of contentious issues at a neutral venue.

This aspect of the agreement is crucial, as it signals a shift from mere conflict management to potentially tackling the underlying causes of tension between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Although unclear as of now, the proposed dialogue may be expected to cover long-standing disputes such as the dispute of Kashmir, border management, militancy, and trade relations.

The ‘neutral site’ where discussion will take place is yet to be disclosed, but it is likely to be a setting that offers an impartial environment conducive to meaningful negotiations.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the ceasefire, reiterating his country’s commitment to regional peace.

“Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity!” Dar wrote on X.

According to Foreign Secretary of India, Vikram Misri, Director General of Military Operations of Pakistan called his counterpart, and during the call, they agreed for an immediate and complete ceasefire, on land, air, and sea.

Instructions were afterwards given on both sides to give effect to this understanding.

The two officials agreed to talk again on 12th May.

The agreement marks a pivotal moment for the nuclear-armed neighbors, who have faced increasing international pressure to de-escalate.

The ceasefire provides a temporary reprieve from escalating tensions, offering hope for a sustained dialogue and peaceful resolution to long-standing disputes.