Tensions between nuclear-armed neighbours, India and Pakistan, took a dramatic turn on Saturday as both countries agreed to an immediate ceasefire after several days of intense cross-border hostilities involving aerial strikes, drone operations, artillery exchanges, and missile attacks. The unexpected announcement was first made by former United States President Donald Trump via his Truth Social platform, where he praised both nations for demonstrating what he described as “common sense” and “great intelligence.”
Trump’s post, which swiftly went viral, indicated that the truce was reached following prolonged talks brokered by the United States. “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,” he posted.
Moments later, top officials from both Islamabad and New Delhi confirmed the development, affirming that the agreement would take effect without delay. India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, stated that both nations had resolved to halt all military engagements across land, air, and sea, with the ceasefire coming into force at exactly 11:30 GMT.
On the Pakistani side, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar took to social media platform X to validate the truce, reiterating Islamabad’s consistent advocacy for regional peace. He noted, “Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect. Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity!”
While Trump’s mediation role drew global attention, an unnamed senior Indian government official disclosed to international news agency AFP that the ceasefire was essentially a bilateral agreement. According to the source, the cessation of hostilities was the result of direct dialogue between Indian and Pakistani officials, despite Washington’s facilitating role.
The ceasefire follows an alarming escalation in violence over the past few days, with Pakistani forces reportedly launching retaliatory strikes on Indian air bases. This was in response to alleged overnight raids by Indian forces on targets within Pakistani territory. Indian military spokesperson, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, confirmed that multiple air bases came under high-speed missile attacks, though she noted the damage to military equipment was “limited.”
On the other side, Pakistani officials accused India of firing missiles at three military installations, including one in Rawalpindi, a major city located just 10 kilometres from Islamabad. Authorities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir also reported that at least 11 civilians were killed by Indian shelling overnight, underscoring the toll the clashes have taken on non-combatants.
The recent flare-up, described by observers as the most severe exchange between the two rivals in decades, has claimed over 60 civilian lives on both sides of the border. Though hostilities have now subsided with the announcement of a ceasefire, the fragile peace underscores the persistent volatility of India-Pakistan relations, which have historically been marked by periods of tension, brief warfare, and uneasy truces.
Diplomatic watchers across the globe will be monitoring how long this new ceasefire holds and whether it can evolve into more enduring dialogue between the South Asian giants.
