The Asiapost News

May 10, 2025 | New Delhi/Islamabad/Washington D.C.

In a dramatic breakthrough, India and Pakistan have agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire” following days of intense military escalation that brought the nuclear-armed neighbors to the brink of war. The announcement, made by US President Donald Trump on Saturday morning, marks a significant de-escalation in one of the most dangerous confrontations in South Asia in decades. The ceasefire, effective from 5:00 PM IST (12:30 PM BST), was confirmed by both nations, halting all land, air, and sea operations along their volatile border.

Escalation Triggered by Deadly Attack

The crisis began on April 22, 2025, when a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killed 26 tourists, shattering a tourism boom in the Indian-administered region. India accused Pakistan of backing the militants responsible, a charge Pakistan vehemently denied. Tensions soared as India launched “Operation Sindoor,” conducting airstrikes on terrorist sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan’s Punjab province. Pakistan retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Indian soil, reporting 11 civilian deaths from Indian shelling near the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border dividing Kashmir.

By May 9, the conflict had intensified, with Pakistan firing on Indian Border Security Force posts in Jammu and India closing 32 airports across its northern and western regions until May 14. Both sides reported dozens of civilian and military casualties, raising global fears of a nuclear escalation between the two nations, which together possess over 300 nuclear warheads.

Trump’s Surprise Announcement

At 8:00 AM EDT (6:30 PM IST), President Trump took to Truth Social to declare: “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!” The announcement followed 48 hours of frantic US diplomacy involving Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who engaged directly with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and senior military and security officials.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the ceasefire, stating that Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted India’s DGMO at 3:30 PM IST to agree on halting all military actions. The agreement was formalized by 5:00 PM IST, with both sides instructing their forces to stand down. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar echoed the confirmation on X, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to “peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty.”

US Diplomacy in the Spotlight

The White House hailed the ceasefire as a triumph of American leadership. “President Trump is a force for peace,” said National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes. Secretary Rubio praised Modi and Sharif for their “wisdom and statesmanship,” announcing plans for both nations to hold broader talks at a neutral site to address underlying issues, though no details were provided. The mediation effort contrasted with earlier remarks from Vice President Vance, who on May 8 called the conflict “none of our business,” reflecting a non-interventionist stance.

Analysts suggest the US intervened due to the nuclear risks, with both India and Pakistan possessing advanced missile systems capable of delivering warheads within minutes. The Biden administration had faced criticism for its limited engagement in South Asian crises, making Trump’s swift action a notable shift.

Regional and Global Reactions

The ceasefire has been met with widespread relief. UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the development, urging both nations to pursue “sustained dialogue.” China, a key ally of Pakistan, called for “restraint and de-escalation,” while the UK and EU expressed support for the US-brokered deal.

In India, media outlets like The Indian Express reported cautious optimism, noting the scheduled DGMO talks on May 12 as a step toward stability. Pakistani media framed the ceasefire as a diplomatic success, with Dar’s statement emphasizing sovereignty. On X, public sentiment ranged from relief to nationalism, with some Pakistani users claiming a military victory and Indian users crediting Modi’s resolve.

What’s Next?

The ceasefire halts four days of intense hostilities, but the underlying issues—particularly the Kashmir dispute—remain unresolved. The LoC has been a flashpoint for decades, with past ceasefires (1949, 1972) often violated. The Pahalgam attack highlighted ongoing militancy challenges, and both nations continue to accuse each other of supporting terrorism.

The planned DGMO call on May 12 and Rubio’s proposed talks signal a potential pathway for dialogue, but experts warn that without addressing Kashmir and cross-border violence, peace may be fleeting. Economic pressures also loom: Pakistan is navigating IMF loan talks, while India faces disruptions from airport closures and fuel stock concerns.

A Fragile Peace

For now, the guns have fallen silent along the LoC, and the world breathes a sigh of relief. Yet, as history shows, ceasefires in South Asia are often temporary pauses in a deeper rivalry. The international community, led by the US, will be watching closely as India and Pakistan navigate the delicate road ahead.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.