Stolen futures: Pupils participating in a candlelight vigil for children who were killed in the Indian missile strikes, in Islamabad, Pakistan. — AP
The country and Pakistan confirmed a ceasefire deal after US-led talks to end a conflict between the nuclear-armed rivals.
It follows weeks of clashes, missile and drone strikes across their border that were triggered by a gun massacre on tourists last month that India blames on Pakistan, which denied the charge. It was their most serious confrontation in decades and left dozens of civilians dead on both sides.
The first word on the truce came from US President Donald Trump, who posted on his Truth Social platform that he was pleased to announce that India and Pakistan had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire.
“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 said on Truth Social, praising the two countries for “using Common Sense and Great Intelligence”.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the agreement follows extensive negotiations by him and Vice-President JD Vance with Indian and Pakistani Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif and other top officials.
“I am pleased to announce the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site,” Rubio said on X.
“We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace,” he added.
Aftermath: A man showing the shattered window of a house after cross-border shelling in Arnia town near the border area in India’s Jammu region. — AFP
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the ceasefire on Geo News. He said Saudi Arabia and Turkiye played an important role in facilitating the deal.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the head of military operations from both countries spoke 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.
“Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding.”
The top military officials would speak again tomorrow, Misri added.
The deal has brought a swift conclusion to military escalation.
India said it targeted Pakistani air bases early yesterday after Islamabad fired several high-speed missiles at military and civilian infrastructure in the country’s Punjab state.
Pakistan said it intercepted most missiles and responded with retaliatory strikes on India.
Earlier yesterday, India’s military held a press briefing in New Delhi, saying Pakistan targeted health facilities and schools at its three air bases in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
“Befitting reply has been given to Pakistani actions,” said Indian Col Sofiya Qureshi.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said India was committed to “non-escalation” provided that Pakistan reciprocated.
However, Pakistani ground forces were observed mobilising toward forward areas, she said, “indicating an offensive intent to further escalate the situation”.
“Indian armed forces remain in a high state of operational readiness,” she added.
Tensions have soared since an attack at a popular tourist site in India-controlled Kashmir left 26 civilians dead on April 22.
Indian missiles yesterday targeted Nur Khan air base in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, near the capital Islamabad, Murid air base in Chakwal city and Rafiqui air base in the Jhang district of eastern Punjab province, according to Pakistan’s military spokesman.
There were no immediate reports of the strike or its aftermath from residents in the densely populated Rawalpindi. — Agencies
