India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire, effective 17:00 local time (12:30 BST). The agreement comes after days of cross-border strikes and escalating tensions between the two nations.
Developments Leading to Ceasefire
- The ceasefire was mediated by the United States, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio playing a key role in the negotiations.
- India and Pakistan had been exchanging drone and artillery fire, with both sides accusing each other of aggression.
- The conflict escalated in response to a deadly militant attack on Indian tourists in Pahalgam last month, which India blamed on Pakistan.
- Pakistan denied involvement in the attack and accused India of aggression.
Reactions to the Ceasefire
- Indian Reaction: Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the ceasefire, stating that India would “stop all firing and military action on land, air, and sea.” Indian officials emphasized that they would remain vigilant to defend their nation if necessary.
- Pakistani Reaction: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the ceasefire, saying Pakistan had “always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity!”
- US Reaction: US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire on social media, praising both countries for using “Common Sense and Great Intelligence.” Marco Rubio added that India and Pakistan would start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site.
Post-Ceasefire Developments
- Pakistan has reopened its airspace to all flights.
- India and Pakistan will hold further talks on May 12.
- Both sides have accused each other of launching misinformation campaigns, with India denying targeting religious sites and Pakistan claiming India was the aggressor.
- The ceasefire has been welcomed by locals, who hope for a lasting peace between the two nations.
