WASHINGTON, Saturday, May 10, 2025 (WNP): U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday announced that India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following intensive American-led diplomatic efforts aimed at halting escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
In a formal statement, Secretary Rubio confirmed that the agreement came after 48 hours of high-level engagement involving U.S. Vice President Vance and direct conversations with Indian and Pakistani leadership, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, as well as national security and military officials from both sides.
“We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif for their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace,” said Secretary Rubio. He also confirmed that both countries have agreed to begin broader talks at a neutral venue to address underlying issues.
The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions, with both countries having recently exchanged military strikes. Washington’s swift diplomatic intervention was aimed at preventing further escalation and potential catastrophe.
The U.S. State Department released details of Secretary Rubio’s separate calls with senior Indian and Pakistani officials. During a conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Secretary Rubio emphasized the importance of de-escalation and the urgent need to re-establish direct communication channels to avoid miscalculation. He also offered U.S. support in facilitating constructive dialogue.
In a parallel outreach, Secretary Rubio spoke with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, echoing the same message of restraint and open communication. He reiterated Washington’s willingness to assist in initiating broader discussions aimed at resolving long-standing disputes.
Secretary Rubio also held a direct conversation with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, emphasizing the importance of de-escalation and reiterating the U.S. offer to support conflict-resolution mechanisms.
Diplomatic observers note that the ceasefire, while a breakthrough, marks only the beginning of what could be a long and delicate process toward durable peace in South Asia. Both governments have signaled openness to U.S.-facilitated dialogue, though concrete outcomes will likely depend on the structure and substance of future negotiations.
The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and stability, urging both sides to seize this opportunity for dialogue and prevent a relapse into hostility.
