India and Pakistan Agree to Immediate Ceasefire After US Mediation
India and Pakistan agreed to a "full and immediate" ceasefire effective 5 pm Saturday, halting military actions on land, sea, and air following US-mediated talks announced by President Trump. Both nations confirmed the agreement, with military officials scheduled for further discussions on May 12. The move, welcomed internationally by the UN and J&K CM Omar Abdullah, follows days of escalating conflict including Indian strikes ("Operation Sindoor") and Pakistani counter-actions. Prime Minister Modi chaired a high-level meeting post-announcement as Pakistan reopened its airspace.
Unpacked:
The escalation was triggered by a terrorist attack on April 22 in Kashmir, which India blamed on Pakistan. This led India to launch "Operation Sindoor" as a retaliatory measure, followed by Pakistani counter-actions, raising tensions and prompting international concern.
The ceasefire was primarily negotiated through direct communication between Indian and Pakistani military officials, notably their Director Generals of Military Operations. However, the United States, led by President Trump, played a pivotal mediating role, with assistance from countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, the UK, UN, and China.
The ceasefire involves a full halt to military actions on land, sea, and air, with both sides agreeing not to initiate aggressive actions or fire. Immediate steps include further military talks, troop reduction along borders, and monitoring of each other's actions to ensure compliance.
The ceasefire has been welcomed internationally. The United Nations and several world leaders praised the move as a step toward regional stability. US President Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif publicly acknowledged the importance of the agreement and the role of international mediation.