Ceasefire Comes Into Effect Across Land, Air, and Sea; Indus Water Treaty Remains Suspended

Key Points

• India and Pakistan reached a ceasefire agreement effective from 5 pm IST, halting all military action on land, air, and sea.
• The breakthrough followed four days of intense cross-border strikes and global concern over possible escalation.
• The Indus Water Treaty, a key water-sharing pact, remains suspended despite the ceasefire.
• The ceasefire was initiated by Pakistan’s DGMO, with India agreeing on its own terms after direct bilateral talks.
• Both sides will review the situation with further DGMO talks scheduled for May 12.
• India maintains its uncompromising stance against terrorism and warns of decisive response to any future escalation.

New Delhi: After days of high-stakes military confrontation that alarmed the world, India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire, halting all military action on land, air, and sea starting 5 pm IST on Saturday. The agreement comes after four days of intense hostilities, including missile and drone strikes, artillery shelling, and casualties on both sides, raising fears of a wider conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

How the Ceasefire Was Reached

The breakthrough was achieved after a direct call from Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) to his Indian counterpart at 3:35 pm IST. Both sides agreed to stop all firing and military activities effective from 5 pm. The talks were bilateral, with no third-party mediation, though the United States played a significant role in facilitating dialogue and urging restraint.

US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire on social media, congratulating both nations for “using common sense and great intelligence”. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also commended Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif for their “wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace”.

Key Details of the Agreement

• No Pre- or Post-Conditions: The ceasefire is unconditional, with both sides agreeing to halt all forms of military action without any pre-set terms.
• Indus Water Treaty Remains Suspended: Despite the ceasefire, the Indus Water Treaty-a crucial water-sharing agreement signed in 1960-remains suspended. India had suspended the treaty last month after the Pahalgam terror attack, citing national security concerns and Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism.
• Continued Vigilance: Indian officials emphasized that the military remains “fully prepared and ever-vigilant,” warning that any future escalation or act of terror will invite a decisive response.
• Further Talks Scheduled: The DGMOs of both countries will hold another round of talks on May 12 to review the situation and ensure implementation of the ceasefire.

Background: Days of Escalation

The ceasefire follows a period of severe escalation triggered by the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians-mostly tourists. India responded with Operation Sindoor, launching precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan retaliated with a series of drone and missile attacks on Indian military and civilian targets, all of which were largely intercepted by Indian defenses.

Civilian casualties mounted, with at least 66 reported dead on both sides during the four days of hostilities. Blackouts and restrictions were enforced in several Indian border states, which have now been lifted following the ceasefire.

Statements from Both Sides

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the agreement, stating, “Instructions have been given on both sides to implement the understanding. The DGMOs will speak again on May 12 at noon”. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s firm stance against terrorism, emphasizing that the ceasefire does not change India’s position on diplomatic measures or the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister both described the ceasefire as a move for peace and security “without compromising sovereignty”.

Timeline of Recent Events

The ceasefire marks a critical step back from the brink of a larger conflict, but the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and ongoing security concerns mean that underlying tensions remain unresolved. Both sides have signaled readiness to respond decisively to any violation, keeping the region on alert even as guns fall silent.