India and Pakistan agreed to a US-mediated ceasefire after days of cross-border attacks and rising regional tensions.

India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire, bringing a temporary halt to the escalating military tensions that have gripped South Asia in recent days.

The ceasefire officially took effect at 17:00 local time (12:30 BST), following what former US President Donald Trump described as ?a long night of talks? mediated by the United States.

The agreement comes after a week of heightened hostilities, including missile and drone exchanges and cross-border shelling, which followed Indian airstrikes on targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The strikes were in response to a deadly militant attack in Pahalgam last month that killed several Indian tourists, an attack India has blamed on Pakistan-based militants. Islamabad has denied any involvement.

India, while confirming adherence to the ceasefire terms, said its army remains ?vigilant? and ?prepared to launch what is necessary for the defence of our nation,? signaling that trust between the two countries remains fragile.

In a statement, Pakistan?s Deputy Prime Minister said, ?Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region. We welcome this ceasefire and hope it leads to de-escalation.?

Both countries have long been at odds over the disputed region of Kashmir, which has seen decades of insurgency and intermittent conflict. Each side claims the territory in full but controls different portions, and the region has frequently been a flashpoint for military confrontations.

Former President Trump, who played a key role in facilitating the ceasefire, took to social media to commend both governments. ?A long night of talks, but peace has prevailed, for now. Proud to have helped make this happen,? he posted.

The ceasefire is being cautiously welcomed by international observers, who see it as a vital step back from the brink of wider war, but note that a sustainable peace will require continued diplomatic engagement, mutual restraint, and credible mechanisms for accountability.

(AriseNews TV)

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