India, Pakistan agree to ceasefire after days of strikes

India, Pakistan agree to ceasefire after days of strikes

India and Pakistan say they have agreed to a ceasefire after four days of escalating cross-border military strikes.

A series of drone and missile attacks have occurred since Delhi launched attacks against Islamabad over the killing of Indian tourists by militants in the Indian-administered Kashmir region. Pakistan had denied any involvement.

Fighting intensified overnight, with both countries accusing each other of targeting airbases and other military sites.

US President Donald Trump wrote on social media that the two nations had agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire” after “a long night of talks”. It was separately confirmed by both Pakistan and India soon after.

India’s strikes on Wednesday sparked a chorus of calls for de-escalation from the international community, with the UN and world leaders calling for calm.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said India and Pakistan had agreed to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site.

He said he and US Vice-President JD Vance spent the prior 48 hours with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including their respective Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif.

Kashmir has been a flashpoint between the countries since they became independent following the partition of British India in 1947. The two nuclear-armed nations claim Kashmir and have fought two wars over it.

India’s external affairs minister, S Jaishankar, said the two had “worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action”.

He said: “India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so.”

Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, said: “Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

India, Pakistan agree to ceasefire after days of strikes

BBC