Pakistan reached out to India, and the two countries negotiated directly and agreed to a ceasefire, the government said on Saturday, confirming the surprise truce after days of military escalation and heightened tensions between the neighbours.
"The Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan called the DGMO of India at 15.30 hours (3.30 pm) this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would cease all firing and military action on land, in the air, and at sea with effect from 1700 hours (5 pm)," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.
The Foreign Secretary, in a brief press conference announcing the ceasefire agreement, added, "Instructions have been given on both sides to implement this understanding. The Directors General of Military Operations will speak again on May 12.
Minutes before India confirmed the ceasefire and details of the talks, US President Trump claimed it was the result of US-mediated discussions between the two nations.
"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 US President posted on Truth Social.
According to government sources, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have been in discussions with their US counterparts for several days regarding a ceasefire. They have been consistently updating the Prime Minister on the developments. Sources also added that India decided to implement the ceasefire on its own terms.
S Jaishankar also said the ceasefire agreement was worked between India and Pakistan.
"India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action. India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so," he said.
However, the United States played a key role in de-escalating the situation by exerting direct pressure on Pakistan, reportedly tying the provisional release of a $1 billion IMF loan to its immediate acceptance of the ceasefire, with the remaining disbursement dependent on full compliance.
Additionally, the US has formally recognised India’s revised war doctrine, which mentioned that any future terrorist attack will be considered an act of war. These factors are said to have played a crucial role in Islamabad's decision to accept the ceasefire.
Source: India Today
