New Delhi | May 10, 2025 | IndoUS Tribune

India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following four days of military exchanges, marking a significant de-escalation after Indian forces successfully neutralized terror infrastructure across the border in response to the April 22 massacre of Hindu pilgrims in Pahalgam.

The ceasefire, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday after overnight mediation, is being viewed in New Delhi as a diplomatic validation of India’s stance: that counter-terrorism operations were necessary, justified, and limited in scope. Indian officials confirmed that the ceasefire would go into effect at 5 p.m. IST (1130 GMT) and emphasized India’s consistent position that peace can only follow the dismantling of cross-border terrorism.

“India has always acted with restraint. Our operations were targeted solely at terrorist camps and infrastructure. We welcome de-escalation, but expect Pakistan to act firmly against terror groups operating from its soil,” a senior official in India’s Ministry of External Affairs told IndoUS Tribune.

President Trump praised both nations for exercising “common sense and great intelligence” in reaching the ceasefire, which followed four days of high-stakes military activity, including aerial interceptions, drone incursions, and cross-border shelling.

Indian strikes had earlier targeted camps in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and key locations identified as harboring extremist elements. In contrast, Pakistan’s retaliatory attacks targeted Indian military sites and reportedly injured civilians, including damage near religious places—acts strongly condemned by New Delhi.

Despite Pakistan’s initial denials of involvement in the Pahalgam attack, international pressure mounted over its history of harboring militant groups. Indian officials noted the ceasefire was not an admission of parity but rather a tactical pause that serves regional stability.

“This ceasefire should not be seen as backing down but as India once again prioritizing regional peace, while retaining the right to act decisively against terrorism,” said Lt. Gen. (retd) S.K. Mehra.

While fears had briefly escalated over a potential nuclear standoff—especially as Pakistani media speculated about a nuclear meeting that was later denied by Islamabad—the situation has now shifted toward cautious calm. The two sides are expected to hold senior-level military discussions on May 12 to maintain the ceasefire line.

Meanwhile, the death toll across both sides rose to 66 during the brief conflict, most of them civilians caught in crossfire and drone strikes.

Background:

India launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7 targeting Pakistani terror launchpads following intelligence confirming the role of groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed in the Pahalgam killings. India maintains that such precision operations are a necessary part of national defense and deterrence.

What’s Next:

Ceasefire begins at 5 p.m. IST, May 10

Senior military officers from both sides to resume talks on May 12

India demands verifiable dismantling of terror networks before full normalization

This is a developing story. Follow IndoUS Tribune for real-time updates from New Delhi and Islamabad.