India, Pakistan Agree To US-mediated Ceasefire After Air Strikes Tit-for-tat

India and Pakistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire on Saturday, after days of intense military strikes and cross-border conflicts. The ceasefire was brokered by the United States, with President Donald Trump announcing the agreement on social media.

The ceasefire was announced after a long night of talks mediated by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio Both India and Pakistan confirmed the agreement.

"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!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the US president. "We thank President Trump for his leadership and proactive role for peace in the region. Pakistan appreciates the United States for facilitating this outcome, which we have accepted in the interest of regional peace and stability." He wrote on X. "We also thank Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their valuable contributions for peace in South Asia. Pakistan believes this marks a new beginning in the resolution of issues that have plagued the region and prevented its journey toward peace, prosperity and stability."

Both countries agreed to start negotiations on a broad set of issues at a neutral site, as announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

"Over the past 48 hours, @VP Vance and I have engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik," 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."

Prior to the ceasefire, India claimed to have targeted several Pakistani air bases with missiles, including bases near the capital, Islamabad. Pakistan responded with retaliatory strikes, targeting multiple Indian locations, including military bases and infrastructure in Punjab state.

At least 13 civilians were killed in Pakistani Kashmir in the last 12 hours before the ceasefire, and there were reports of buildings being destroyed or damaged in both Indian- and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir

The United Kingdom also played significant role in mediating the ceasefire. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio were involved in the negotiations. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi also called for both sides to remain calm and avoid escalating the situation.

Despite the ceasefire, explosions and artillery fire were reported in Jammu and Kashmir, and residents in both Indian- and Pakistani-controlled regions heard blasts and saw projectiles in the sky.

Within hours of the ceasefire, both countries accused each other of violating the agreement. India's foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, accused Pakistan of breaching the ceasefire, while Pakistan's foreign ministry denied the violations and stated that they remain committed to its faithful implementation.

In Pakistan, there was initial jubilation over the truce, with people celebrating the restoration of peace. However, there were also concerns about the immediate violations and the potential for further conflict

As of Saturday, the situation remains tense, and the international community continues to monitor the ceasefire and the potential for further de-escalation.