India and Pakistan Agree to Immediate Ceasefire Following U.S.-Mediated Talks
In a significant development aimed at de-escalating tensions in South Asia, India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire. The announcement comes after intense diplomatic efforts mediated by the United States, involving high-level engagements with leaders and officials from both nations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed in a statement that discussions over the past 48 hours included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and other key figures such as India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik. Both sides have committed to initiating talks on broader issues at a neutral venue.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who also played a role in facilitating the dialogue, confirmed the agreement in a separate statement, emphasizing the use of "common sense and great intelligence" by both nations. He hailed the breakthrough as a triumph of diplomacy.
The ceasefire agreement has been welcomed globally, with analysts describing it as a crucial step toward lasting peace in the region. Both nations have been urged to build on this momentum to resolve long-standing disputes through dialogue.
