India & Pakistan agree to ceasefire, but Indus Water Treaty still suspended, sources say

Following days of escalating tensions and deadly strikes between the two nuclear powers, India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire as of May 10, 5pm (India time).

India Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said, on X:

"India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action.

India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so."

Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said, via X:

"Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect. Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity!"

According to United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump, the ceasefire was agreed upon after talks mediated by the U.S.:

"After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence."

However, an Indian government source who spoke with AFP anonymously said that the ceasefire was worked out directly and bilaterally between India and Pakistan.

Following the ceasefire, Pakistan has also reopened its airspace for all flights.

66 civilian deaths

India launched a series of strikes on sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir on May 7 in retaliation for a militant attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir just two weeks prior on Apr. 22. 

The attack led to 25 Indians and one Nepali national dead, with Indian police later alleging that two of the attackers were Pakistanis, according to BBC.

66 civilians have died on both sides of the border in the clashes since.

Indus Water Treaty suspension

Despite the ceasefire, the Indus Water Treaty still remains suspended according to government sources that spoke to Reuters. 

India pulled out of the treaty in April after the attack in Kashmir.

The 1960 treaty split the Indus and its tributaries between the two countries and regulated water sharing. 

The water is critical to Pakistan, which relies on it for hydropower and irrigation.

There is no provision in the treaty for either country to unilaterally suspend or terminate the pact, which has clear dispute resolution systems, Reuters wrote. 

Top photo from Canva