NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD — India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire following days of cross-border violence that raised fears of broader regional conflict in South Asia.
The truce, mediated by the United States, took effect at 17:00 local time (12:30 BST) and brings a temporary halt to a week of rising military tensions.
The agreement was reached after what US President Donald Trump described as “a long night of talks,” during which American officials facilitated high-level negotiations between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
Mr. Trump, who announced the breakthrough via social media, said, “A long night of talks, but peace has prevailed, for now. Proud to have helped make this happen.”
The recent hostilities were triggered by Indian airstrikes on targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, launched in response to a deadly militant attack in the town of Pahalgam last month that killed several Indian tourists.
India has blamed the attack on militants operating from Pakistani territory, an accusation that Islamabad has firmly denied.
In the days that followed, both sides exchanged drone strikes, missiles, and artillery fire along the Line of Control, the de facto border in the disputed Kashmir region.
The clashes prompted international concern, with calls for restraint from world capitals and humanitarian organisations.
While both governments have publicly committed to the terms of the ceasefire, statements from New Delhi and Islamabad suggest underlying tensions remain unresolved.
A spokesperson for the Indian Army said the military remains “vigilant” and “prepared to launch what is necessary for the defence of our nation.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister issued a statement expressing cautious optimism.
“Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region. We welcome this ceasefire and hope it leads to de-escalation,” he said.
The Kashmir region, which has been a flashpoint for conflict between the two countries since their independence in 1947, remains at the centre of the dispute.
Both India and Pakistan claim the territory in full but govern separate parts.
The region has witnessed decades of insurgency, military standoffs, and sporadic peace talks, none of which have yielded a lasting solution.
International observers have welcomed the ceasefire as a necessary step back from confrontation, but many warn that the path to lasting peace will require sustained diplomacy, mutual trust-building, and mechanisms to prevent future escalation.
The United Nations and several foreign governments are expected to closely monitor the situation in the coming days, as both India and Pakistan navigate the fragile pause in hostilities.
