In a major step toward reducing tensions, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed on Saturday that the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan contacted his Indian counterpart earlier in the day. Both sides agreed to halt all military activities—across land, sea, and air—starting from 1700 hours Indian Standard Time.
"Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours earlier this afternoon. 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," Misri said during a press briefing.
He added, "Today, instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The Directors General of Military Operations will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours."
Misri also addressed the context leading up to the ceasefire, saying that Pakistan's recent actions had been viewed as deliberate provocations. "Pakistan's actions constituted provocation, escalation. In response India defended and reacted in a responsible and measured fashion," he stated.
The Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Defence held a joint press conference where further details about Operation Sindoor were shared. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army said, "Pakistan's target was India's military infrastructure, LoC, IB and over 26 sites."
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also spoke on the current development and reiterated India’s position on terrorism.
"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 said.
Confirming the ceasefire from Islamabad, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said, "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."
On the international front, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the role of US diplomacy in facilitating the agreement. He noted extensive engagement with senior officials from both nations over the past 48 hours. "Over the past 48 hours, VP Vance and I have engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik. 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 said.
The ceasefire agreement follows a period of heightened hostilities. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on May 2, which claimed 26 lives. In that operation, India targeted nine terror sites deep inside Pakistan. In response, Pakistan escalated tensions further with unprovoked attacks involving artillery and drone strikes.
The ceasefire and upcoming talks mark a critical juncture in efforts to restore stability along the India-Pakistan border.
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