 "President Donald Trump. AP File")
US President Donald Trump announced that India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire. Trump announced the news in a post on TruthSocial. Interestingly, the post came shortly after India gave an ultimatum that any future terror attack on Indian soil would be considered as an “act of war”.
“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,” the American President wrote on TruthSocial. “Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he furthered.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio re-shared the post on his X profile. Earlier today, the American diplomat dialled India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Army Chief Ishaq Dar. During both calls, Rubio urged for de-escalation. The news was confirmed by both India and Pakistan.
During the evening press briefing, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the agreed ceasefire will come into effect today at 5 PM.
Rubio lauds PM Modi and Pak PM Sharif
In a separate post, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave insight into how the US was involved in the negotiations. “Over the past 48 hours, @VP 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,” Rubio wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, highlighting the key players in the negotiations.
“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. We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace,” he added.
Rubio has been in constant touch with both the Indian government and the Pakistani establishment. He was one of the first world leaders to call both sides when Pakistan launched a coordinated attack, which was successfully intercepted by India.
India gave insights into what happened
During a brief evening press briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations ( DGMO ) called the Indian DGMO at 3:35 PM.
“Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called the Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours earlier this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hours Indian Standard Time,” Mistri said in the briefing.
“Today, instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The Director General of Military Operations will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours,” he added.
The US’s involvement in the mission was not mentioned during the presser. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar also mentioned that India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire. “India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on the stoppage of firing and military action,” EAM wrote on X.
“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. Jaishankar also did not mention the US anywhere in his post.
Pakistan confirms the news
Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also took to X, formerly known as Twitter to gave a formal announcement on the matter.
“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!” Dar wrote on X.
Just like India, Pakistan’s announcement did not mention the role the US played in the negotiations.