It might end up being remembered as the big 5:25 pm Donald Trump surprise. At that moment, on Truth Social, the US President posted that India and Pakistan had agreed to a "FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE".
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio followed up at 5:37 pm confirming the unexpected news.
And soon, there he was, the Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri before the press, confirming that peace had been sealed after an evening call by the Pakistan Director General of Military Operations (DGMO).
"The Director General of Military Operations of Pakistan called the Director General of Military Operations of India at 1535 hours IST earlier today. 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 Indian Standard Time today,” Misri announced.
The top military officials would speak again on May 12, Misri added.
It was three days after India launched Operation Sindoor to target terror infrastructure across the border in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, and following Pakistan's escalatory response, which triggered a military build-up, that both countries had agreed to halt all firing and military action on land, air, and sea.
Following the announcement, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar posted on X saying, "India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action".
"India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so," he further wrote.
US claims credit
Earlier, Trump, in his post, had claimed credit for stitching together the ceasefire. In a headmasterly tone, he wrote: "Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also took to X saying "India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site".
"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.
"We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace," he wrote.
Pakistan PM thanks the US
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while confirming the ceasefire, thanked "President Trump for his leadership and proactive role for peace in the region."
He tweeted that "Pakistan appreciates the United States for facilitating this outcome, which we have accepted in the interest of regional peace and stability."
Prime Minister Sharif also thanked "Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their valuable contributions for peace in South Asia" while going on to add that "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."
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told Geo News that Saudi Arabia and Turkey too played an important role in facilitating the deal.
Pakistan opens airspace
Following the announcement of the ceasefire, Pakistan announced the opening up of its airspace for all kinds of traffic.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Saturday announced the full restoration of airspace and airport operations, as the country moves towards normalcy amid ongoing tensions with India.
“All airports in the country are available for normal flight operations. Passengers are requested to contact the relevant airline for the latest schedule of their flights,” the authority said, according to PTI.
Earlier, several routes and airports were temporarily shut due to heightened tensions with India.
Indus Waters Treaty remains in abeyance: MEA sources
Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs clarified that the current ceasefire comes without any pre-conditions or post-conditions.
"There are no pre-conditions and post-conditions. The Indus Waters Treaty remains in abeyance. All other measures remain suspended. India's position on terrorism remains unchanged," MEA sources said.
