In a major diplomatic breakthrough, India and Pakistan have agreed to a full ceasefire following intense U.S.-mediated negotiations aimed at halting one of the most serious military escalations between the nuclear-armed neighbors in decades.

The truce follows weeks of deadly confrontations, including missile strikes, drone attacks, and heavy cross-border shelling that killed dozens of civilians on both sides. Tensions peaked after a brutal massacre on April 22 in Indian-controlled Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 mostly Hindu tourists. India blamed Pakistan-based militants for the attack, a claim Islamabad strongly denied.

The ceasefire was first announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social, praising both nations for their “common sense and great intelligence.” Key support in the peace process also came from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, according to Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that military officials from both nations agreed to halt all hostilities across land, sea, and air. “Instructions have been issued on both sides to enforce this understanding,” Misri stated. Top military leaders are scheduled to hold further talks on May 12.

Just hours before the truce, India launched strikes on Pakistani air bases in response to missile attacks on its infrastructure in Punjab state. Pakistan retaliated by targeting Indian air bases and a missile storage site. Both sides claimed to have intercepted enemy missiles and inflicted damage on military targets.

The violence caused significant destruction in both Indian- and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, with explosions damaging homes and sparking panic among civilians. In Rawalpindi and Srinagar, residents reported powerful blasts and sleepless nights as the region braced for escalation.

Despite initial jubilation over military responses, many in both countries expressed relief at the ceasefire. “War brings nothing but suffering,” said Islamabad resident Zubaida Bibi. “We are happy that calm is returning—it feels like Eid to me.”

Indian politician Omar Abdullah welcomed the peace deal but lamented the loss of lives. “Had it come earlier, bloodshed could have been avoided,” he said.

With both nations agreeing to begin broader diplomatic talks at a neutral location, hopes are rising for a sustained de-escalation and renewed peace in the region.