Delhi/Islamabad (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – India and Pakistan have reached an agreement to stop fightingfollowing escalating strikes that raised concerns of a larger conflict. Officials from both nations confirmed that the ceasefire is currently in effect, although explosions were reported in India-administered Kashmir and Pakistan just hours after the announcement.
On social media, US President Donald Trump announced the unexpected truce, claiming it followed a night of negotiations facilitated by Washington. A Pakistani official commended Washington’s efforts in the negotiations, while an Indian source minimized US engagement.
What triggered the latest round of cross-border violence?
Last month’s killing of tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir heightened tensions between the neighboring states. India declared “Operation Sindoor” in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Wednesday, accusing Pakistan of being behind the assault. Islamabad has denied having anything to do with the murders.
What role did Marco Rubio and JD Vance play?
According to US State Department spokesman Tammy Bruce, the truce between India and Pakistan was the outcome of many discussions by high officials in both countries during the previous 48 hours between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance.
“It was a lovely collaboration,”
Bruce stated on News Nation.
“This was the outcome of Vice President JD Vance, as well as the entire government, putting President Trump’s insight and vision into practice, along with my man, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, of course.”
Why does India downplay US involvement in negotiations?
However, while announcing the agreement, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made no mention of US involvement; instead, an Indian statement claimed that the agreement was negotiated “directly” between the two nations. President Donald Trump asserted this morning that the United States mediated the ceasefire.
Did the US truly mediate the India-Pakistan ceasefire?
However, a Pakistani official source with knowledge of the talks told CNN that the US, and Rubio specifically, was instrumental in bringing the parties to an agreement.
“It’s been a long 48 hours, but this is the point of what we do,”
Bruce continued.
“Multiple phone calls at multiple levels with each government were had, certainly with the prime ministers over this period of time. Back-and-forth conversations and both, again, JD Vance, our vice president, and the secretary of state clearly making a difference.”
“We look forward to hopefully managing more conversations and having this endure,”
she added.
As the two nations give varying explanations for Washington’s engagement in the negotiations, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed US President Donald Trump for helping to mediate a ceasefire deal between India and Pakistan.
About three hours after Trump’s initial announcement of the truce, Sharif posted on X, “We thank President Trump for his leadership and proactive role for peace in the region.”
We thank President Trump for his leadership and proactive role for peace in the region .
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 10, 2025
Pakistan appreciates the United States for facilitating this outcome, which we have accepted in the interest of regional peace and stability.
We also thank Vice President JD Vance and…
What did UN Secretary General say regarding the ceasefire?
A truce reached between India and Pakistan is a “positive step toward ending current hostilities and easing tensions,” according to the UN Secretary-General.
The secretary-general believes today’s agreement will lead to resolving long-standing difficulties between the two nations, according to a statement issued just now by Antonio Guterres’ office.
“The United Nations stands ready to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region,”
it states.
What is the status of the ceasefire?
However, the main cities of Indian Kashmir, which had been worst hit by four days of violence, reported violations within hours. In India-administered Kashmir, powerful explosions echoed around the city of Srinagar barely hours after India and Pakistan established a truce.
“What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar,” Omar Abdullah, chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, said in a post on X.
What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!!
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 10, 2025
