“India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so,” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Saturday, as India and Pakistan reached an understanding to stop military action.
The decision, seen as a rare moment of convergence between the two nations, does not reflect any change in India’s strategic posture. The core message from New Delhi remains consistent: peace, yes, but not at the cost of principle.
Jaishankar added, “India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action.”
There was some confusion following a statement by US President Donald Trump, who said the ceasefire came after US-mediated talks. However, Indian government sources offered a clear rebuttal.
“The stoppage of firing and military action between India and Pakistan was worked out directly between the two countries,” a senior Indian government official said.
That clarification sets the tone. While international powers may have expressed concern, the talks were bilateral. No mediation. No external forum.
According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the call that changed the course of action came from Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) at 3:35 pm on Saturday. The Indian DGMO responded, and an understanding was swiftly reached.
“It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, and in the air and sea, with effect from 1700 hours IST Saturday,” Misri stated.
He confirmed that both sides had already issued instructions to enforce this agreement. “The DGMOs will talk again on May 12 at 1200 hours,” he added.
In Pakistan, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with broadcaster Geo News, where he described the ceasefire as “full-fledged” and “not partial.”
Dar also claimed, “three dozen countries were involved in the diplomacy that secured it.” While this narrative diverges from India's, it reflects how the move is being positioned across the border — as a diplomatic breakthrough with broad support.
Despite speculation about broader talks, Indian officials have dismissed any such possibility. “There is no decision to hold talks on any other issue at any other place,” a government source confirmed.
This is not a thaw in relations, they emphasised. It is a ceasefire — limited, practical, and strictly about military restraint. India has kept its focus squarely on national security and terrorism, while still choosing to de-escalate tensions tactically.
The next scheduled communication between the DGMOs will take place on 12 May at noon. The outcome of that discussion remains to be seen, but sources indicate it will centre only on implementation and compliance.
Saturday’s development may calm the immediate situation, but expectations are being kept in check. India has drawn a clear line: counter-terrorism remains non-negotiable, and peace will not be pursued blindly.
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Jaishankar added, “India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action.”
There was some confusion following a statement by US President Donald Trump, who said the ceasefire came after US-mediated talks. However, Indian government sources offered a clear rebuttal.
“The stoppage of firing and military action between India and Pakistan was worked out directly between the two countries,” a senior Indian government official said.
That clarification sets the tone. While international powers may have expressed concern, the talks were bilateral. No mediation. No external forum.
According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the call that changed the course of action came from Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) at 3:35 pm on Saturday. The Indian DGMO responded, and an understanding was swiftly reached.
“It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, and in the air and sea, with effect from 1700 hours IST Saturday,” Misri stated.
He confirmed that both sides had already issued instructions to enforce this agreement. “The DGMOs will talk again on May 12 at 1200 hours,” he added.
In Pakistan, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with broadcaster Geo News, where he described the ceasefire as “full-fledged” and “not partial.”
Dar also claimed, “three dozen countries were involved in the diplomacy that secured it.” While this narrative diverges from India's, it reflects how the move is being positioned across the border — as a diplomatic breakthrough with broad support.
Despite speculation about broader talks, Indian officials have dismissed any such possibility. “There is no decision to hold talks on any other issue at any other place,” a government source confirmed.
This is not a thaw in relations, they emphasised. It is a ceasefire — limited, practical, and strictly about military restraint. India has kept its focus squarely on national security and terrorism, while still choosing to de-escalate tensions tactically.
The next scheduled communication between the DGMOs will take place on 12 May at noon. The outcome of that discussion remains to be seen, but sources indicate it will centre only on implementation and compliance.
Saturday’s development may calm the immediate situation, but expectations are being kept in check. India has drawn a clear line: counter-terrorism remains non-negotiable, and peace will not be pursued blindly.
