In a significant development, India has confirmed a ceasefire that began at 5 PM local time today, following a tense period of military confrontations with Pakistan. In a succinct press conference, India’s foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, provided details about the ceasefire, stating that the director general of military operations from Pakistan contacted his Indian counterpart earlier this afternoon at 15:35. Both officials agreed that hostilities would cease entirely, encompassing land, air, and maritime military actions starting from 17:00 Indian Standard Time.

This ceasefire agreement comes after days of escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, which have historically been strained due to territorial disputes and other geopolitical issues. The resumption of peace efforts marks a pivotal moment, with hopes that this truce may pave the way for more comprehensive discussions on various bilateral matters.

Pakistan's airspace has also reopened fully for all types of flights, as confirmed by the Pakistan Airport Authority (APA). A notice on their official website stated, “All airports across the country are available for normal flight operations. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for updated flight schedules.” Earlier today, the APA had announced a temporary closure of airspace for 24 hours due to the military tensions.

Adding to the context of this ceasefire, Pakistan’s foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, told broadcaster Geo News that this agreement is a “full-fledged” ceasefire, rather than a partial one, underscoring the significance of this diplomatic breakthrough. He revealed that three dozen countries played a role in the diplomacy that led to this agreement. Notably, he acknowledged the contributions of Saudi Arabia and Turkey in facilitating the negotiations, which were first hinted at by former US President Donald Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also chimed in on the situation, confirming that both India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and will engage in discussions regarding a broader set of issues at a neutral location. In a statement posted on X, Rubio mentioned that he and Vice President JD Vance had engaged with high-level officials from both countries, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, along with other key national security advisors. He expressed commendation for both leaders, appreciating their wisdom, prudence, and diplomatic statesmanship in opting for a peaceful resolution.

While the announcement of a ceasefire was met with hope, there were initial uncertainties as neither India nor Pakistan had confirmed the ceasefire immediately following Trump’s declaration. A scheduled press briefing by India’s defense and foreign ministries faced delays, leaving many observers awaiting clarity on the situation.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Faisal bin Farhan, has reached out to both Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers, offering Saudi Arabia’s services as a mediator. He emphasized the kingdom’s commitment to regional security and stability, highlighting its longstanding, balanced relations with both nations. This diplomatic push from Saudi Arabia reflects its growing role in mediating conflicts within the region, particularly in light of the ongoing military clashes.