SLAMABAD/NEW DELHI, May 10 (Reuters) – Nuclear rivals India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire after days of intense military conflict, a breakthrough that came after diplomatic intervention led by the United States.
The sudden truce was announced on Saturday, following mounting global concern that the escalating hostilities could spiral into full-scale war. The conflict, the worst in nearly 30 years, was triggered by an Indian airstrike on what it described as “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistani Kashmir. This followed an attack that killed 26 Hindu pilgrims in Indian Kashmir.
While both governments declared a halt to fighting, fresh violations were reported hours later in Srinagar and Jammu, the main cities of Indian-administered Kashmir. Witnesses and authorities reported explosions and projectiles lighting up the sky, echoing the previous nights of violence.
The fighting had claimed at least 66 civilian lives and saw both sides target each other’s military installations, raising fears that their nuclear capabilities could come into play. Pakistan’s military had earlier suggested a nuclear oversight body might convene, though Defence Minister later denied any such plans.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the ceasefire in a social media post, asserting Islamabad’s commitment to peace without compromising sovereignty. Meanwhile, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said military leaders from both countries had agreed to end hostilities at 5:00 p.m. IST (1130 GMT). Though India did not use the term “ceasefire,” the language signaled mutual agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump took to X (formerly Twitter) to applaud the breakthrough: “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.”
Ceasefire Details and Remaining Tensions
Hotlines between Indian and Pakistani military officials were reactivated, with follow-up talks scheduled for May 12. Despite the truce, officials from both countries told Reuters that existing trade suspensions, visa restrictions, and India’s halt on the Indus Waters Treaty would remain in place for the time being.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed extensive backchannel diplomacy, involving both countries’ prime ministers, military chiefs, and national security advisors. The agreement reportedly includes a roadmap for broader talks to be held at a neutral location, details of which are yet to be announced.
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar reiterated India’s firm stance on counterterrorism, while Pakistan’s airports authority reopened its airspace, signifying a return to relative normalcy.
In Indian Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cautiously welcomed the ceasefire but mourned the delay, saying earlier action could have saved lives.
Footage from Pakistani media showed tanks returning from the frontlines, offering a visual sigh of relief for citizens on both sides.
Looking Ahead
Analysts have pointed out that while the ceasefire is significant, underlying issues like Kashmir and cross-border militancy remain unresolved. Ehsan Malik, CEO of the Pakistan Business Council, noted the economic importance of peace: “Both Pakistan and India need to lift their large populations on virtually every measure of socio-economic development.”
Shuja Nawaz, of the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center, predicted that the suspended Indus Waters Treaty would be a central topic in the upcoming talks, but only after a diplomatic cooling-off period.
India and Pakistan have a long and volatile history, including three wars, two of them over Kashmir, a region both claim in full but govern in parts. India has long accused Pakistan of supporting militant groups, an allegation Islamabad denies, saying it only supports the political aspirations of Kashmiris.
With the ceasefire now in place, all eyes turn to the diplomatic track and whether both nations can build on this fragile moment to address the deeper roots of one of the world’s most dangerous disputes.
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