Trump Announces Breakthrough Ceasefire Between India and Pakistan

 

Trump Announces Breakthrough Ceasefire Between India and Pakistan

Following two days of urgent diplomacy, U.S. President Donald Trump brokered a fragile ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, which was announced on Saturday. Reports of fresh cross-border violence in Kashmir, however, soon cast doubt on the truce.

Ceasefire Brokered by U.S. Officials Rubio and Vance

The truce was apparently negotiated by Vice President JD Vance and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio with the goal of stopping the two nuclear-armed neighbors' growing military confrontation. The Trump administration made the declaration as part of a significant diplomatic attempt to defuse the region's escalating tensions.

Trump Hails “Immediate Ceasefire” on Truth Social

President Trump announced the discovery on his Truth Social platform. He congratulated both countries for demonstrating "common sense and great intelligence" and wrote, "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."

Confirmation from Indian and Pakistani Officials

In a post on X, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar affirmed the truce and stated that it would go into force right away. According to Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, military leaders from both countries had direct talks and decided to end all air, sea, and land-based hostilities.

Cross-Border Shelling Casts Doubt Over Ceasefire

Hours after the announcement, fighting broke out again. Concerns over whether the truce would last were sparked by reports of bombardment and deafening explosions in Srinagar, a significant city in Indian-administered Kashmir. Each party charged the other with breaching the contract.

Celebrations and Skepticism in Kashmir

Many displaced people in war-torn areas like Uri joyfully greeted the truce. According to Tanveer Chalko, a local, "families started dancing with joy." However, the ceasefire caused more worry than relief for some, including as Lal Din in Poonch, whose house was demolished. "Transient peace agreements have come and gone," he stated. "We need to be ready for the worst in the absence of a long-term solution."

U.S. Diplomatic Reversal on South Asia Involvement

The direct involvement of the Trump administration signaled a dramatic change in position. Vice President Vance had declared just 48 hours prior that the United States would not intervene in the confrontation between India and Pakistan. The turnaround emphasizes how urgent the growing crisis is.

Mutual Claims of Victory

India and Pakistan were able to claim diplomatic success as a result of the truce. India's stern stance on terrorism was reiterated by Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Senator Sherry Rehman of Pakistan, meanwhile, commended her country's leaders for upholding national honor and resolve.

Tit-for-Tat Attacks Heighten Tensions

Both nations were accusing one another of carrying out coordinated attacks on military installations and airbases by Saturday morning. India accused Pakistan of attacking 26 locations, including important military installations. Pakistan retaliated, claiming that India had launched missiles at strategic bases first, sparking a counteroffensive known as "Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos."

U.S. Intervention Helps Prevent Wider War

International concerns about a wider conflict in South Asia were lessened by the truce mediated by the United States. The G7 called on both countries to exercise "maximum restraint" in the face of escalating tensions earlier that day.

What Comes Next?

The fresh violence raises questions about the future of the ceasefire, even if it is currently in place. On May 12, senior military leaders from Pakistan and India are scheduled to meet once more to discuss the situation and decide on the next course of action.