New Delhi [India]: In a critical step toward de-escalation, India and Pakistan have agreed to halt all military operations across land, air, and sea, effective from 1700 hours IST today, following a conversation between the two nations’ Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs).
Confirming the development, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the Pakistani DGMO reached out to his Indian counterpart at 15:35 IST, during which both sides agreed to enforce a ceasefire across all operational domains.
“Instructions have been issued to implement this understanding,” Misri announced at a press briefing. A follow-up DGMO-level conversation is scheduled for May 12 at 12:00 IST to review the situation and coordinate further.
Misri underscored that Pakistan’s recent actions had been “escalatory” and “provocative”, prompting India to respond “in a responsible and measured fashion.”
At the same briefing, Indian Army Colonel Sofiya elaborated on Operation Sindoor, stating,
“Pakistan targeted India’s military infrastructure along the LoC, IB, and over 26 sites in a coordinated escalation. India responded by striking nine terror sites inside Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on May 2, which killed 26 civilians.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s uncompromising stand on terrorism, stating:
“India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on the cessation of hostilities. While India remains firmly committed to peace, we will continue to oppose terrorism in all its forms.”
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also confirmed the ceasefire agreement, saying:
“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.”
This regional breakthrough follows intense diplomatic engagement led by the United States.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside Vice President JD Vance, held high-level talks with Indian and Pakistani leaders—including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik, and other key officials.
Rubio stated on X:
“The Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to begin talks at a neutral venue. We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif for their wisdom and statesmanship in choosing peace.”
This coordinated ceasefire follows Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 7, in retaliation for the May 2 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians. Pakistan’s subsequent response included cross-border artillery and drone attacks, escalating tensions to a dangerous threshold.
The successful ceasefire agreement—reinforced by both military-level communication and international diplomacy—marks a significant step in preventing further conflict and opening avenues for dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.