President Trump announced on Saturday that India and Pakistan have agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire.”
The fighting between the two nuclear powers in recent days, which is the most serious in decades, raised concerns of a dramatic escalation.
In the hours before Trump’s announcement on Saturday the fighting escalated even more with several missile attacks by both countries against military bases.
“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,” Trump said on Truth Social.
Pakistani foreign minister Ishaq Dar wrote on X that 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,” he said.
An Indian foreign ministry spokesman said the Pakistani army chief spoke to his Indian counterpart and both agreed on an immediate ceasefire on land, air and sea. He said the two military chiefs will speak again on Monday.
The U.S. and many other countries, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey, pressed in recent days for India and Pakistan to de-escalate the situation and resume direct talks.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke several times with the countries’ foreign ministers and urged them to “re-establish direct communications to avoid miscalculation,” State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said.
Rubio also spoke on the phone with the Indian and Pakistani national security advisers and to the Pakistani army chief.
Vice President Vance was also involved in the efforts and engaged with Indian Prime Minister Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Rubio said.
India and Pakistan have agreed to start talks “on a broad set of issues” at a neutral site, Rubio said.
“We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace,” Rubio said.
