In a dramatic turn of events today, India and Pakistan have declared an immediate ceasefire, halting escalating hostilities across land, air, and sea. The breakthrough follows a relentless Indian military offensive across the border and an intensive diplomatic push led by the United States.
The ceasefire, announced after a direct conversation between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries at 15:35 IST, marks a critical juncture in South Asian security dynamics. The halt in hostilities comes without preconditions, Indian sources confirmed, asserting it as a “bilateral understanding”—a pointed distinction from US President Donald Trump’s framing of the development as a mediated ceasefire maintaining a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations as stated by Foreign Minister S Jaishankar.
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.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 10, 2025
Ceasefire on Indian Terms: No Precondition, No Compromise
The ceasefire was formalized after a direct conversation between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan at 15:35 IST.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a special briefing, confirmed that both sides agreed to halt all military activities across land, sea, and air starting at 17:00 IST. “Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to the understanding. The Director Generals of Military Operations will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours,” he said
Foreign Secretary ShriVikram Misri has confirmed the implementation of a ceasefire under #OperationSindoor. At 15:35 hrs today, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan contacted his Indian counterpart, and both sides agreed to halt all military action—on… pic.twitter.com/a1PfmiBZpg
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) May 10, 2025
Washington’s High-Wire Diplomacy
US President Donald Trump, in a late-night social media announcement, claimed credit for brokering peace after “a long night of talks.” He lauded both nations for “choosing peace” and praised their “common sense and great intelligence.”
The American diplomatic effort was led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President Vance, who engaged in high-level backchannel negotiations over the past 48 hours. They reportedly maintained direct contact with Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, their national security advisers, and military leaderships.
In a follow-up statement, Rubio confirmed that both sides had not only agreed to halt hostilities but also consented to initiate broader peace talks at a neutral venue.
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…
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) May 10, 2025
India’s Position: Retaliation, Not Escalation
Ambassador Anil Trigunayat, a former Indian diplomat, told BharatShakti that India’s military actions were consistent with its post-Uri and Balakot doctrine of zero tolerance for terrorism. “These were retaliatory and non-escalatory strikes against identified terror infrastructure,” he said.
He cautioned, however, that any lasting peace hinges on Pakistan’s behaviour: “This outcome is welcome, but its durability will depend on Pakistan’s commitment to curbing cross-border terrorism. I remain sceptical of any real shift within their deep state.”
Military Vigilance Remains High
Despite the ceasefire, Indian military leaders stressed ongoing vigilance. At a joint press briefing, senior officers condemned Pakistan’s disinformation campaign and reiterated that Indian strikes were precise and limited to terror targets.
“No religious sites were touched. India remains committed to its secular ethos and reveres all places of worship,” said Col. Sofiya Quereshi, rebutting Pakistani claims of civilian casualties.
Sanctions, Pressure Remain in Place
While military operations have ceased, Indian officials clarified that other punitive measures—including trade restrictions, curbs on water sharing, and downgraded diplomatic ties—will remain in effect until Pakistan demonstrates verifiable action against terrorist networks operating from its soil.
Global Stakes and What Lies Ahead
International observers have praised the ceasefire as a critical de-escalation between two nuclear-armed neighbours. However, experts caution that it is merely the first step on a long and uncertain road toward sustainable peace.
For now, the world watches closely as the US, through its successful mediation, reasserts its role as a stabilizing force in a volatile region.
Huma Siddiqui/Ravi Shankar
Dr Ravi Shankar has over two decades of experience in communications, print journalism, electronic media, documentary film making and new media.
He makes regular appearances on national television news channels as a commentator and analyst on current and political affairs. Apart from being an acknowledged Journalist, he has been a passionate newsroom manager bringing a wide range of journalistic experience from past associations with India’s leading media conglomerates (Times of India group and India Today group) and had led global news-gathering operations at world’s biggest multimedia news agency- ANI-Reuters. He has covered Parliament extensively over the past several years. Widely traveled, he has covered several summits as part of media delegation accompanying the Indian President, Vice President, Prime Minister, External Affairs Minister and Finance Minister across Asia, Africa and Europe.
