In a big development amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the United States President said on Saturday that the two neighbouring countries have agreed to a “full and immediate” ceasefire.
In a post on Truth Social, the US President said that after a long night of talks mediated by the US, India, and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire.
“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!” he wrote.
Addressing a press briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, “Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours earlier this 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 Indian Standard Time. Today, instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The Directors General of Military Operations will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours.”
The news agency ANI quoted sources as saying, “The stoppage of firing and military action between India and Pakistan was worked out directly between the two countries. The Pak DGMO initiated the call this afternoon, after which discussions took place and understanding reached. There is no decision to hold talks on any other issue at any other place.”
Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on X wrote, “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!”
The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X, “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.”
He added, “I am pleased to announce that 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.”
In the post, Rubio commended Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif.
