India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire after days of rising tension. The move came strictly on India’s terms, sources told the media.
The announcement, made on 10 May, eased fears of open conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Pakistan reached out first. He confirmed that both sides had worked together on the ceasefire. There was no third-party role in the talks.
The breakthrough came after Operation Sindoor, a military action by India. Following this, Pakistan’s NSA and Air ISI chief Asim Malik contacted Indian NSA Ajit Doval. This started the backchannel talks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was firm. He told NSA Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that any deal must reflect India’s position. He said no compromise would be accepted.
For several days, Indian officials held discussions with their US counterparts. NSA Doval and Minister Jaishankar led the talks. Modi was kept informed throughout the process.
On Friday, the Pakistani DGMO called his Indian counterpart at 3.35 pm IST. The two officers agreed to halt all firing and military activity. This included land, air, and sea operations. The ceasefire took effect from 5 pm IST on the same day.
Misri said the orders had been sent to forces on both sides. He added that the DGMOs would speak again on 12 May at 12 pm IST. The follow-up call will assess the situation.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar confirmed the ceasefire was bilateral. “India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action,” he said. He added that India’s stand on terrorism remains unchanged.
“India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so,” he stated.
The decision has brought relief in both countries. The region had been on edge for several days. The ceasefire appears to have prevented further escalation.
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