India and Pakistan Agree to Immediate Halt on All Military Engagements

India and Pakistan have agreed to cease all forms of military operations—land, air, and sea—starting at 5 PM on May 10. The decision followed a direct phone conversation initiated by Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) at 3:35 PM, according to India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. “DGMO of Pakistan called up DGMO at 3.35 pm. They agreed that both sides will stop all firing and military action from air and from sea from 5 pm onwards,” Misri confirmed. He added that another round of talks between the DGMOs is scheduled for noon on May 12.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also confirmed the development on X, stating, “India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action.” He further emphasized, “India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so.”

The ceasefire announcement follows a high-level mediation effort spearheaded by the United States. US President Donald Trump revealed on his platform, Truth Social, “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. Congratulations to both countries on using common sense and great intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sharing details of the backchannel diplomacy, wrote on X, “Over the past 48 hours, Vice-President 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.”

Rubio further announced, “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.”

However, Indian government sources stressed that the ceasefire was a bilateral arrangement, directly negotiated between the two nations. “The Pakistan DGMO initiated the call this afternoon, after which discussions took place and an understanding was reached. There is no decision to hold talks on any other issue at any other place,” a senior source clarified.

Reinforcing Pakistan’s position, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also announced the agreement via X: “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.”

Earlier in the day, following his discussion with Secretary Rubio, Jaishankar reiterated that India’s posture remains “measured and responsible.” Meanwhile, Rubio, in a separate conversation with Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir, offered US support for facilitating dialogue aimed at preventing further escalation. This marked the first known direct contact between the current US administration and the Pakistani military leadership.

The agreement comes after a night of intense military engagements between the two nations, with both sides reportedly targeting strategic installations along the border. The ceasefire aims to de-escalate rising tensions and restore calm across the region.