US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that Pakistan and India have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire following several days of escalating military exchanges between the two countries.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump 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.”
Although neither Islamabad nor New Delhi initially confirmed Trump’s statement, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar soon after confirmed the ceasefire via social media. Dar highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to peace and regional stability, while underscoring the country’s unwavering defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On the Indian side, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also confirmed that both nations had reached an agreement to halt firing and military operations. In his social media post, Jaishankar emphasized that India maintains a “firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations” and will continue to uphold this position.
Later, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri formally announced that India and Pakistan had agreed to immediately suspend all military operations — on land, in the air, and at sea. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Misri stated that this breakthrough resulted from sustained diplomatic efforts and reflected both countries’ desire to avoid further escalation.
“The Government of India confirms that all military activity with Pakistan has been suspended with immediate effect across all domains,” he said.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that the two nations had not only agreed to cease hostilities but would also begin formal talks at a neutral venue, following intense US diplomatic efforts. Rubio shared on social media that, over the past 48 hours, he and US Vice President JD Vance engaged with top leaders from both countries, including Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir, Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar, and National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik.
Background: Rising Tensions
The crisis intensified following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where 26 people were killed. India swiftly blamed Pakistan-based elements without presenting evidence, an accusation that Islamabad firmly rejected.
In response, India closed the Wagah border, revoked Pakistani visas, and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan condemned these moves as acts of war and sealed its side of the border.
On May 6–7, explosions were reported in Pakistani cities, including Muzaffarabad and Bahawalpur. Islamabad accused India of carrying out airstrikes and launched Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos in retaliation, targeting Indian military installations.
According to Pakistan, its forces shot down five Indian fighter jets, including four Rafales — a claim partly supported by a French intelligence official, who told CNN this marked the first-ever combat loss of a Rafale jet. Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry noted that while Pakistan could have taken down more, it exercised restraint.
Pakistan also claimed to have intercepted 77 Israeli-made Harop drones using both electronic jamming and conventional defenses. The military said its operations focused on launch sites used in attacks on civilians and religious sites. As part of this response, Pakistan launched the Al-Fatah missile, naming it in memory of children killed in recent strikes.
Despite the military action, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that the National Command Authority had neither met nor planned to meet — suggesting nuclear escalation was not on the table.
On the Indian side, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh stated that India was open to de-escalation if Pakistan also showed willingness. Indian military officials acknowledged damage at five of their airbases.
Meanwhile, the US and G7 nations repeatedly urged both countries to step back from the brink and return to dialogue.
