Kathmandu: India and Pakistan have reached an agreement on a comprehensive ceasefire following heightened tensions and military engagements across land, air, and sea. The announcement was made after U.S. President Donald Trump declared via social media that the two nuclear-armed neighbors had agreed to halt hostilities.

President Trump wrote, “After long discussions under U.S. mediation last night, I am happy to inform you that India and Pakistan are ready for an immediate and complete ceasefire. I congratulate both countries for taking a wise decision.”

Ceasefire Begins at 5 PM Saturday

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both nations held a phone conversation on Saturday afternoon, agreeing to cease all military actions from 5 PM Indian time. The agreement covers operations on land, in the air, and at sea.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also confirmed the development, stating that the ceasefire is effective immediately and that further diplomatic talks are scheduled for May 12.

India Issues Strong Warning on Future Terror Attacks

Despite the ceasefire, the Indian government has taken a hard stance on terrorism. Citing government sources, India’s ANI news agency reported that any future terrorist attack on Indian soil will be treated as an act of war. The government warned that such actions would provoke a military response, signaling a clear policy shift.

Strategic analyst Sushant Sarin, a senior fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), explained the shift: “Until now, diplomacy followed any attack. Now, even the slightest Pakistani link to terrorism will invite military retaliation.”

Defense Forces Brief Media

Following the ceasefire, India’s Ministry of Defense held a press briefing attended by top officials from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Colonel Sophia Qureshi addressed misinformation allegedly spread by Pakistan, while Commodore Raghu R. Nair emphasized the armed forces' high alert status. “India is fully prepared to respond if provoked again,” said Nair.

The ceasefire comes after weeks of escalating conflict and rising fears of broader confrontation. While the announcement has calmed immediate tensions, the underlying issues — particularly terrorism — remain volatile, and both nations appear poised to act swiftly if provoked again.