Donald Trump has declared India and Pakistan have agreed to a "full and immediate" ceasefire as tensions started to boil between the nuclear-armed neighbours and rivals.

The US President's unexpected announcement came as tensions between the neighbouring countries hit a high after India launched missiles into Pakistani-controlled regions of Kashmir earlier this week. This came after a gun massacre on April 22 at a popular tourist site in Kashmir that left 26 civilians dead, mostly Hindu Indian tourists.

Trump wrote on Truth Social: "After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

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Pakistan's deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also said the two nations agreed to a ceasefire, shortly after the US President's announcement. Dar said: "Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect. Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity!"

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the neighbouring nations would start discussions on a range of issues. Rubio wrote on X: "I am pleased to announce the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site.

"We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace."

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