India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire, India's foreign minister confirmed on Saturday, following days of heightened tensions and cross-border violence.

The announcement comes after what US President Donald Trump described as “a long night of talks mediated by the United States,” aimed at de-escalating hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The ceasefire took effect at 17:00 local time (12:30 BST), according to India's Foreign Minister, who said the decision was reached following diplomatic discussions at “the highest levels.”

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister welcomed the ceasefire, stating that “Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Tensions flared this week after India launched airstrikes on what it described as militant targets in both Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, in response to a deadly attack on Indian tourists in the Pahalgam region last month. Islamabad has denied any involvement in the incident.

Since the Indian strikes, both sides have accused each other of cross-border shelling, as well as missile and drone attacks, leading to casualties and displacements in several border villages.

India and Pakistan have fought multiple wars and numerous skirmishes over Kashmir, a region both countries claim in full but control in part. Ceasefire agreements have been reached before but often broken amid renewed clashes.

The latest agreement raises cautious hope for a de-escalation of tensions, though analysts warn that the situation remains volatile.

Source: BBC

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