Chicago Saturday, May 10, 2025
India and Pakistan Agree to Sudden Ceasefire After Weeks of Escalation
After several weeks of escalating hostilities and military exchanges, India and Pakistan have reached a ceasefire agreement, with both sides agreeing to halt all military actions. The truce came into effect on Saturday at 5 p.m. local time (7:30 a.m. ET), according to Indian officials.
Ceasefire Announced Following U.S. Mediation
The ceasefire was unexpectedly announced by U.S. President Donald Trump via his Truth Social account. He stated that the agreement followed a night of negotiations facilitated by Washington. Shortly afterward, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the ceasefire on X (formerly Twitter), echoing Trump’s announcement.
Trigger: Tourist Massacre in Kashmir
Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors had soared following the massacre of tourists last month in Indian-administered Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan for the attack and responded by launching Operation Sindoor on Wednesday, targeting sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. Pakistan denied any involvement in the attack but retaliated after what it claimed were Indian missile strikes on its military bases.
Operation Bunyan Marsoos and Military Strikes
The situation escalated further over the weekend when Islamabad initiated Operation Bunyan Marsoos in response to overnight Indian missile attacks. The exchange of fire and strikes marked one of the most intense confrontations between the two countries in recent years.
Military Leadership Agrees to Ceasefire
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that a ceasefire agreement had been reached between the two nations’ military leaders. According to Misri, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) initiated a phone call with his Indian counterpart on Saturday afternoon. During the call, both sides agreed to stop all hostilities starting at 5 p.m.
The DGMOs of both countries are scheduled to hold a follow-up conversation on Monday to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire.
Focus Solely on Ceasefire for Now
Indian government sources stated that the ceasefire agreement was reached directly between the two nations. No additional talks or negotiations on other issues are planned at this stage. “There is no decision to hold talks on any other matter at any other venue,” one official emphasized.
Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the ceasefire, reiterating his country’s longstanding commitment to regional peace while affirming its right to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity. His statement came shortly after Trump’s online announcement.
