In a significant move towards de-escalation, India and Pakistan have agreed to a complete halt in military operations across land, air, and sea. The announcement was made by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a press briefing on Saturday.

According to Misri, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted his Indian counterpart at 15:35 IST on Saturday, and the two sides mutually agreed to cease all forms of military action effective from 17:00 IST the same day.

“Today, instructions have been issued on both sides to enforce this understanding,” said Misri, adding that another round of DGMO-level talks has been scheduled for May 12 at 12:00 IST to ensure continued coordination.

The agreement follows heightened tensions after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on May 2, which claimed 26 lives. Indian forces reportedly struck nine terror camps deep inside Pakistani territory. Pakistan responded with intensified artillery shelling and drone incursions along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB).

Addressing the media alongside Defence Ministry officials, Misri accused Pakistan of provocative and escalatory actions, stating, “India responded in a responsible and measured manner.”

Indian Army Colonel Sofiya, speaking at the joint briefing, said Pakistan had targeted military infrastructure across over 26 sites, including along the LoC and IB.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also commented on the development, saying, “India and Pakistan have reached an understanding to cease military engagements. India remains steadfast in its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and will continue to act decisively to safeguard its national security.”

Confirming the ceasefire from Islamabad, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said, “Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect. Pakistan has always pursued peace and regional stability while upholding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the development, revealing that Washington had played a mediating role. “Over the past 48 hours, Vice President Vance and I engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani leaders, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif,” he said. “I am pleased to announce that both countries have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the initiation of comprehensive talks at a neutral venue. We commend both leaders for choosing the path of peace.”

The agreement marks a crucial diplomatic breakthrough amid rising regional tensions and offers a potential opening for broader dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.