U.S. President Donald Trump Saturday said that India and Pakistan have agreed to a ‘full and immediate’ ceasefire, after the world watched with horror the spiraling clashes between the two South Asian nations.
“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,” he declared.
Announcing the ceasefire development Trump also congratulated both nations.
“Congratulations to both countries on using common sense and great intelligence,” he said in a post on his Truth Social media platform.
The agreement comes days of intense shelling across the Line of Control in Kashmir and aerial attacks by both countries and calls for urgent U.S.-led diplomacy in the backdrop of April 22 attack in Pahalgam, in the Indian-administered Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan for being behind the attack while Islamabad rejected the charge.
Both countries control parts of Kashmir, a strategic disputed region in the Himalayas, which is critical source of river water for agrarian lands in both countries. New Delhi immediately suspended Indus Water Treaty that ensures fair distribution of water to both countries. Pakistan retaliated with closing its airspace to Indian commercial flights.
The clashes began when India sent close to 80 fighter jets to strike what it called terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
That resulted in the largest dogfight between two air forces in modern warfare history and Pakistan declared that it had shot down five Indian fighter jets including high-tech French Rafael warplanes.
The clash on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday pushed the region to the edge of a full-blown conflict and fears in the world community for possible nuclear repercussions.
Pakistan Friday night began its retaliation against Indian missile strikes with operation “Bunyan-un-Marsoos,” targeting military installations.
Islamabad called it a “befitting response” to Indian provocations, which New Delhi described as response to April 22 attack on civilians in Pahalgam area of the Indian-administered Kashmir.
“These actions are being carried out in response to India’s initial attack, which was an assault on our homeland, people and sovereignty,” the statement said.
Earlier, Indian missile strikes targeted Pakistan Air Force’s three airbases.
Washington had all along been urging de-escalation and a responsible solution to the Kashmir crisis with President Trump offering mediatory role, Secretary of State Marco Rubio hold phone calls with officials of both countries.
Washington has high-stakes close cooperative ties with both South Asian powers.
This story is being updated
