In a post on X, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said, "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
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri speaks during a press briefing in New Delhi on Saturday. PIC/AFP
In a significant step toward de-escalating heightened tensions, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced on Saturday that Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted his Indian counterpart earlier in the day, and "both sides have agreed to halt all military action—on land, at sea, and in the air".
"The Director General of Military Operations of Pakistan called the Director General of Military Operations of India at 1535 hours IST earlier today. 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 today. Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to the understanding. The Director Generals of Military Operations will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours," said Misri.
Later, in a post on X, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said, "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."
The ceasefire announcement first broke after US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social and wrote that the talks between New Delhi and Islamabad were mediated by Washington.
The US-brokered ceasefire came hours after militaries of India and Pakistan attacked each other's military facilities, dangerously escalating the ongoing conflict.
"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 US president announced in a post on Truth Social.
"Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump added.
The announcement by Trump came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Pakistan Army chief Gen Asim Munir.
Rubio also made a similar statement on X.
"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," he said.
He said he was "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.
In New Delhi, government sources said stoppage of firing and military action between India and Pakistan was worked out directly between the two countries.
Pakistan DGMO initiated call this afternoon after which discussions took place and understanding reached, they said.
In Islamabad, Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the ceasefire with immediate effect.
"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 said in a post on X.
(With ANI and PTI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
