US President Donald Trump on Sunday praised India and Pakistan for agreeing to a ceasefire following four days of escalating hostilities sparked by the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. In a social media post on Truth Social, Trump called the agreement a “historic and heroic decision” that prevented potential mass casualties.
“I am very proud of the strong and unwaveringly powerful leadership of India and Pakistan… Millions of good and innocent people could have died!” Trump wrote. He also promised to increase trade with both nations and offered to help resolve the Kashmir dispute, which has long strained bilateral ties.
“I will work with you both to see if, after a ‘thousand years,’ a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir. God Bless the leadership of India and Pakistan on a job well done,” he said.
However, the ceasefire announcement—initially described as a breakthrough in US-mediated talks—was swiftly marred by renewed conflict. Hours after the agreement, Pakistani drones allegedly breached Indian airspace and targeted multiple cities, prompting condemnation from Indian authorities.
India clarified that the ceasefire understanding was not a result of third-party mediation but emerged from a direct conversation between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing a late-night briefing, confirmed the timeline: “It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hours IST.” But shortly after, he added, “there have been repeated violations… This is a breach of the understanding.”
Misri said Indian forces responded “adequately and appropriately” to the provocations.
The ceasefire was meant to mark an end to a deadly exchange that began after the April 22 Pahalgam attack. In retaliation, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor,’ “striking nine terror installations across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.” Pakistan responded by targeting both military and civilian areas in India with drones and artillery fire, leading to blackouts, injuries, and infrastructural damage.
