New Delhi: India and Pakistan reached a ceasefire agreement, effective from 17:00 IST on Saturday, May 10, marking a significant de-escalation in the ongoing standoff. The agreement came after Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) initiated peace talks, a move that India responded to constructively, according to a press briefing by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at 18:00 IST.

The ceasefire marks a significant de-escalation in the 2025 India-Pakistan standoff, which escalated after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 23, 2025, killing 26 people. India's Foreign Secretary Misri confirmed the cessation of all military actions, stating, "Both sides have agreed to stop all firing and military action on land, air, and sea," following a call from Pakistan's DGMO.

The war had intensified due to Pakistan's escalation, despite India's attempts to neutralize threats. On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting militant groups in Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan retaliated, claiming to have hit Indian military installations, including the S-400 system in Udhampur. These actions included drone and missile attacks, with India intercepting a Pakistani Fatah-II missile over Sirsa on May 10, 2025, aimed at Delhi.

Pakistan's escalation was further evident in its denial of offensive drone actions while acknowledging heating up the situation. Despite India's efforts to maintain peace, Pakistan's military actions, including cross-border firing and missile strikes, prolonged the conflict. 

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire on Truth Social, stating, "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." However, India's diplomatic efforts were crucial, as evidenced by Misri's statement and the context of Pakistan's initiation of talks. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also confirmed the ceasefire, emphasizing peace without compromising sovereignty.

International pressure, including from the UN, China, and the UK, supported the ceasefire. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had called Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir to urge de-escalation and initiate the peace talks. UK's Foreign Secretary David Lammy urging restraint. The durability of the ceasefire remains uncertain, but India's role in neutralizing threats and responding to Pakistan's escalation has been pivotal in achieving this temporary peace. As of May 10, 2025, the focus is on maintaining stability and preventing further violence, with Pakistan's peace talks initiation marking a shift after its aggressive stance.

BI Bureau