Eighteen hours following his unexpected declaration regarding a truce deal between India and Pakistan, U.S. President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to collaborate with both nations to address the matter of Kashmir. It should be noted that New Delhi has consistently maintained that Kashmir is an intrinsic part of India and has rejected external intervention. The Indian administration’s reaction to Trump’s proposal remains pending.
“I hold great pride in the robust and steadfast leadership demonstrated by both India and Pakistan. They possessed the courage, insight, and resilience necessary to recognize when it was crucial to halt the ongoing hostility that risked causing immense casualties and devastation. The lives of millions of decent and blameless individuals were at stake! Their decisive moves will significantly elevate their legacies.” This statement was made by the U.S. President on Truth Social, his own social media network.
“I take pride in the fact that the USA managed to assist you in reaching this momentous and courageous choice. Although it hasn’t been brought up for discussion yet, I intend to significantly boost trade with both of these remarkable nations. Furthermore, I will collaborate closely with you both to explore whether, after ‘a thousand years,’ we might find a resolution regarding Kashmir. May God bless the leaders of India and Pakistan for their outstanding efforts,” concluded the U.S. President.
Yesterday evening, President Trump unexpectedly declared that India and Pakistan have committed to an instant comprehensive truce. This announcement came as a shock, given that earlier the same day both nations were engaged in intense exchanges of artillery fire following Indian airstrikes targeting Pakistani airbases and crucial military installations.
Following extensive negotiations facilitated by the United States throughout a lengthy night, I’m delighted to report that India and Pakistan have concurred with a TOTAL AND INSTANTANEOUS HALT FIRE. Kudos to both nations for employing Sound Judgment and Exceptional Wisdom. Thanks for addressing this issue, ” stated the U.S. President in his post.
Shortly thereafter, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that he and the U.S. Vice President had been communicating with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistan’s Premier Shehbaz Sharif, India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir, as well as the national security advisors from both nations, Ajit Doval and Asim Malik. “I’m delighted to report that the governments of India and Pakistan have concurred upon an instant cessation of hostilities and plan to initiate discussions on a wide array of topics at a neutral location,” he announced.
About half an hour later, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the ceasefire. He said India’s Director General of Military Operations received a call from his Pakistan counterpart yesterday afternoon. “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 IST Saturday,” he said. “Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The DGMOs will talk again on May 12 at 1200 hours,” he added.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, “India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi is yet to speak on the development. Significantly, none of the official responses from the Indian leadership highlighted the US role or spoke about the terms on the basis of which the ceasefire was agreed upon.
From the Pakistan side, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said 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,” he said.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked US President Trump for his “leadership and proactive role for peace”. “Pakistan appreciates the United States for facilitating this outcome, which we have accepted in the interest of regional peace and stability. We also thank Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their valuable contributions for peace in South Asia. Pakistan believes this marks a new beginning in the resolution of issues that have plagued the region and prevented its journey toward peace, prosperity and stability,” he said.
Shortly following the announcement, reports emerged of ceasefire breaches in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to an additional comment from the foreign secretary. “Earlier tonight, a mutual agreement was established between the Directors-General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan to halt the ongoing military operations over the past several days. However, within these last few hours, this accord has been broken by Pakistan. In response, the Indian Army is countering and addressing this cross-border incursion. Such intrusions are utterly deplorable, and Pakistan bears responsibility for them. It is our hope that Pakistan comprehends this scenario correctly and promptly takes necessary measures to cease this invasion,” he stated.
The ceasefire came after four days of spiralling tensions between India and Pakistan. In retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 innocents dead, India on May 7 launched Operation Sindoor and carried out airstrikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. New Delhi stressed that it did not target any civilian or military installations and that its sole objective was to strike terror outfits. Pakistan, however, responded with heavy shelling that led to civilian deaths and a barrage of drones and missiles targeted at civilian areas. India’s air defence managed to intercept most of the projectiles. In response, India targeted Pakistan’s military installations, including its key airbases, inflicting heavy damage.
Subsequently, delegates from the Army, Navy, and Air Force conducted a briefing where they stated their commitment to upholding the ceasefire but emphasized remaining “completely ready and constantly watchful, dedicated to safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty.” They added, “Any miscalculations by Pakistan have faced firm resistance, and all further provocations will result in an unequivocal reaction.”
