By Kazeem Ugbodaga
In a dramatic diplomatic breakthrough, India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire following high-level talks mediated by the United States.
The announcement, first made by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform, comes amid escalating tensions and military exchanges between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
“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 wrote.
“Congratulations to both countries on using common sense and great intelligence.”
Confirming the development, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Ishaq Dar, stated that Islamabad remains committed to peace in the region, but “will never compromise on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says both India and Pakistan would “stop all firing and military action on land, air and sea” with effect from 17:00 IST (12:30 BST).
The ceasefire follows a sharp uptick in hostilities after India launched military strikes on targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir earlier this week.
The operation was in response to a deadly militant attack last month on Indian tourists in Pahalgam. Islamabad has strongly denied involvement in the incident.
Both sides have since traded accusations of cross-border shelling, missile launches, and drone incursions.
The disputed region of Kashmir, which both countries claim in full, has once again been at the heart of the conflict.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that alongside Senator JD Vance, he had spent 48 hours in direct negotiations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif.
In a post on X, Rubio hailed the ceasefire agreement and revealed that both nations have committed to launching broader diplomatic talks at a neutral venue.
“We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace,” Rubio said.
The announcement has been met with cautious optimism by international observers, given the long-standing animosity and repeated breakdowns in India-Pakistan relations.
The planned talks are expected to address a range of contentious issues beyond Kashmir, including counterterrorism cooperation, trade, and regional security frameworks.
