In a surprising and significant development, US President Donald Trump announced that India and Pakistan have agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire” following intense overnight negotiations mediated by American diplomats. The announcement, made via Trump’s Truth Social platform on Saturday, comes amidst heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals.
“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,” Trump wrote. “Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
BREAKING: US President Donald Trump announces India & Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire. pic.twitter.com/Dnwte2t9ay
— Khalsa Vox (@khalsavox) May 10, 2025
The breakthrough follows weeks of escalating hostilities that began after the deadly Pahalgam attack in Kashmir on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. India had swiftly blamed Pakistan’s military and affiliated terrorist groups for orchestrating the attack, triggering retaliatory missile strikes on terror camps within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Over 100 militants were reportedly killed during these operations.
The violence had placed the region on the brink of a larger conflict, with artillery fire and air strikes exchanged almost daily. Analysts warned that the situation risked spiraling into an uncontrollable war, making the sudden ceasefire announcement even more remarkable.
Pakistan’s Terrorism Problem Remains a Concern
While the agreement is a major step toward regional stability, deep-rooted issues remain. Pakistan’s long-standing policy of harboring terrorist organizations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), continues to be a sticking point. These groups have carried out several high-profile attacks in India, notably the 2008 Mumbai attacks that left 166 people dead.
India has consistently pressed the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for providing safe havens to terrorists, but Islamabad has repeatedly denied any involvement, often refusing to cooperate with investigations into cross-border terrorism.
A New Chapter or a Temporary Truce?
India’s decision to accept Pakistan’s ceasefire proposal signals a commitment to pursuing peace despite the painful history of conflict. US Vice President JD Vance echoed President Trump’s optimism, sharing the announcement and lauding the value of international collaboration in defusing tensions.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also welcomed the ceasefire, expressing hope that it would open the door to broader dialogue between the two neighbors. Preparations are already underway for comprehensive talks at a neutral location, aimed at addressing not only immediate security concerns but also long-standing issues that have plagued relations for decades.
While the ceasefire is a cause for cautious optimism, experts warn that maintaining peace will require sustained efforts from Pakistan in curbing terrorism emanating from its soil. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this agreement marks the beginning of a lasting peace or merely a temporary pause in a long and bitter rivalry.