Did Trump broker a ceasefire deal between India and Pakistan?

India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire after Islamabad reached out to New Delhi, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed on Saturday evening. This came after United States President Donald Trump declared on Truth Social that the nuclear-armed neighbours had agreed to a “full and immediate” ceasefire.

He wrote, “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!”

But how did India and Pakistan finally agree to de-escalate? We will take a look.

India-Pak announce ceasefire

India and Pakistan confirmed a ceasefire shortly after Trump’s post. Both countries decided to stop firing and military action from 5 pm today.

“DGMO (Director General of Military Operations) of Pakistan called up DGMO (of India) at 3.35 pm. They agreed that both sides will stop all firing and military action from land, air and sea from 5 pm onwards,” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.

He further added that the DGMOs will talk again at noon on May 12.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took to X and wrote, “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 added.

Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said: “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!”

After the two sides made it official, Indian Navy Commodore Raghu Nair, in a press briefing, said that while the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force will adhere to the ceasefire deal, adding that the armed forces remain “vigilant to retain the sovereignty of India”.

“We remain prepared to launch what is necessary for the defence of our nation,” he asserted.

Following Trump’s announcement on Truth Social at 5.25 pm, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X, “Over the past 48 hours, Vice-President [JD] Vance and I have engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik.”

“I am pleased to announce the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site,” he said. “We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace.”

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy also welcomed the de-escalation, saying it was in “everybody’s interest”.

“Today’s ceasefire between India and Pakistan is hugely welcome. I urge both parties to sustain this. De-escalation is in everybody’s interest,” he wrote on X.

How India-Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire

After four days of cross-border attacks, India and Pakistan have agreed to de-escalate. This comes after the Indian Armed Forces carried out “precision attacks” on six Pakistan’s airbases — Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian – early today.

The Indian DGMO got a call from his Pakistani counterpart around 3:30 pm today. During the calls, Islamabad assured not to carry out “further strikes and formally requested a ceasefire”, the government sources said.

They added that the US’ role was to keep both sides engaged.

Earlier in the day, EAM Jaishankar spoke to Rubio on the phone, pointing out that India’s approach “has always been measured and responsible”.

Rubio, who also spoke to Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, said that he “offered US assistance in starting constructive talks in order to avoid future conflicts”. Besides Munir, the US Secretary of State also held talks with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and his deputy Ishaq Dar.

Before the ceasefire was announced, India decided it would treat any future terror attack against it as an “act of war” and would respond accordingly.

Despite de-escalation, the Indus Waters Treaty will reportedly remain suspended. New Delhi put the decades-old water sharing agreement with Islamabad into “abeyance” after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Pakistan PM Sharif thanked Trump “for his leadership and proactive role for peace in the region.”

“Pakistan appreciates the United States for facilitating this outcome, which we have accepted in the interest of regional peace and stability,” he wrote in a post on X.

Speaking Geo News, Pakistan’s foreign minister said that India and Pakistan had agreed to a “full-fledged” and “not partial” ceasefire, claiming that over three dozen countries were involved in the diplomacy.

He added that Saudi Arabia and Turkey played a key role in brokering the deal, reported Associated Press (AP).

Dar said that both India and Pakistan were involved in “direct communication” and “as a result a joint agreement was reached”.

He pointed out that the UK was also involved in finding a resolution. “The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, played a key role in this process,” BBC quoted him as saying to Geo TV. 

Saudi Arabia engaged with both India and Pakistan to reduce tensions.

After Operation Sindoor on May 7, Saudi Arabia’s deputy foreign minister had made unannounced visits to both countries.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan called his Indian and Pakistani counterparts today, offering the kingdom’s services as a mediator.

“During the telephone calls, discussions focused on efforts to put an end to the ongoing military clashes,” he said in a statement.

Farhan underlined the “kingdom’s commitment to regional security and stability, and its close and balanced relations with the two friendly countries”.

Soon after the ceasefire, Pakistan reopened its airspace to all aircraft. The Pakistan Airport Authority (APA) said in a notice, “All airports across the country are available for normal flight operations. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for updated flight schedules.”

While India and Pakistan have agreed to de-escalate immediately, the negotiations will continue. Rubio said the two sides will discuss a “broad set of issues at a neutral site.” However, government officials told News18: “There is no decision to hold talks on any other issue at any other place".

With inputs from agencies