WASHINGTON, D.C./ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — After a tense period of military escalation, the United States has brokered a surprise ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, announced just moments ago by former US President Donald Trump and confirmed shortly after by Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
In a message posted to the Truth Social platform, Trump declared that “after a long night of talks mediated by the United States,” both South Asian neighbours had agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire.” He praised the deal as an outcome of “common sense and great intelligence” and congratulated both sides.
Within minutes, Pakistan’s top diplomat and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar echoed the announcement in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Dar’s use of diplomatic language suggested a careful balance between celebrating the breakthrough and reaffirming Pakistan’s strategic posture.
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!
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 10, 2025
Strategic urgency and US mediation
The ceasefire follows days of rising military activity along the Line of Control and across contested regions, prompting fears of a wider conflict between the nuclear-armed states. While the precise details of the ceasefire agreement remain undisclosed, the US-led mediation appears to have played a decisive role in halting further escalation.
Trump’s direct involvement marks a rare instance of high-level American diplomacy in South Asia since his departure from office. While it remains unclear whether the Biden administration had any parallel role, sources close to the negotiations suggest that the talks were facilitated via back-channel communication involving senior intelligence and military intermediaries from all three nations.
Muted response from India
As of Saturday morning, India had not issued an official public confirmation. However, sources in New Delhi indicate that the Indian government has quietly instructed forces along the frontier to observe a ceasefire and stand down from high alert levels. Analysts suggest that India’s silence may reflect internal debate over how to frame the agreement politically.
Despite the lack of immediate comment, international observers see India’s tacit compliance as a sign of tentative commitment to de-escalation.