India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire following four days of cross-border hostilities that left dozens dead and sparked fears of further escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
The ceasefire, announced Thursday evening, was brokered after intensive diplomatic efforts by the United States. President Donald Trump confirmed the development on his Truth Social platform, stating: “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.” He praised both countries for “using common sense and great intelligence.”
The ceasefire officially came into effect at 5 p.m. Indian Standard Time (12:30 p.m. Irish time), according to statements from both New Delhi and Islamabad.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar confirmed the agreement and reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to regional peace, saying that Pakistan “has always strived for peace and security… without compromising on sovereignty or territorial integrity.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance were also actively involved in talks with senior Indian and Pakistani officials. Mr. Rubio said the two sides would begin formal discussions on a “broad set of issues” at a neutral location, although details have not yet been disclosed.
The announcement follows a period of heightened tensions sparked by a deadly attack in India-administered Kashmir last month, which killed 26 Hindu tourists. India blamed Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba for the attack — an accusation Islamabad has denied, calling instead for an independent investigation.
The escalating conflict saw strikes on military installations, including reported drone attacks and air raids. Overnight, explosions were reported in both Srinagar and Islamabad. Indian forces claimed they repelled waves of Pakistani drone attacks, while Pakistan said it had shot down 77 drones and accused India of bombing its own territory in Amritsar — a claim India has not addressed.
With the civilian death toll rising to at least 66, fears mounted that the conflict could spiral out of control. Rumours of a meeting by Pakistan’s nuclear command authority further fuelled global concern, though the country’s defence ministry later denied such a gathering was planned.
India’s Foreign Ministry said the ceasefire was agreed upon during a call between the military heads of both nations. A follow-up conversation is scheduled for May 12 to review the situation.
The two countries have fought multiple wars since partition in 1947, largely centred on the disputed Kashmir region, which remains a volatile flashpoint. Thursday’s ceasefire provides a rare window of de-escalation, though both sides remain wary.
