In a major diplomatic development, India and Pakistan agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire on May 10, 2025, bringing an end to four days of intense hostilities between the two nuclear-armed nations. This ceasefire, brokered through U.S. mediation, has been widely welcomed by the international community, with particular support from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These Gulf nations have played a pivotal role in supporting peace efforts and fostering dialogue between India and Pakistan, contributing to a potential shift towards stability in the region.
Background to the Ceasefire
The escalation between India and Pakistan began on May 7, 2025, following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, a town in Indian-administered Kashmir. The attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, was attributed to insurgents allegedly supported by Pakistan. In response, India launched airstrikes targeting terrorist training camps inside Pakistan, marking the beginning of a sharp rise in hostilities between the two countries. Pakistan denied any involvement in the attack and condemned India’s airstrikes.
In retaliation, Pakistan’s military, led by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), launched “Operation Bunyan Marsoos,” which targeted Indian military installations. This retaliation triggered a series of aerial and ground assaults across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, leading to numerous casualties on both sides. The situation escalated rapidly, threatening to spiral into a full-scale war between the two nuclear powers.
As military tensions soared, there were growing concerns in the international community about the risk of a catastrophic conflict. Many world leaders called for calm and restraint. Amid these tensions, the United States stepped in, leveraging its diplomatic influence to broker a ceasefire. The U.S. played a crucial role in facilitating negotiations between Indian and Pakistani officials, ultimately leading to the May 10 agreement.
The Ceasefire Agreement
The terms of the ceasefire were straightforward: both India and Pakistan agreed to halt all military operations, including air, land, and sea attacks, effective immediately at 5:00 PM Indian Standard Time on May 10. To prevent any further escalation, both nations agreed to restore military hotlines and enhance communication between their armed forces. This reestablishment of direct communication channels was seen as an important step in preventing misunderstandings that could lead to accidental clashes along the volatile LoC.
The ceasefire agreement came as a major relief to millions of civilians living in Kashmir and along the border areas, who had borne the brunt of the conflict. Refugee camps, hospitals, and emergency services worked tirelessly to treat the wounded and provide shelter to those displaced by the violence. With the ceasefire in place, hopes grew that these efforts would be more effective, and that a long-term peace process could be initiated.
Reactions from Saudi Arabia and the UAE
The announcement of the ceasefire was met with widespread approval from the international community, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE taking prominent roles in supporting the agreement. Both nations have long had strategic relationships with India and Pakistan, making their diplomatic involvement significant.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on May 10, welcoming the ceasefire. The Kingdom praised both India and Pakistan for their decision to cease hostilities and emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts. The statement highlighted that Saudi Arabia would continue to support efforts aimed at fostering peace and stability in South Asia.
Similarly, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expressed his approval of the ceasefire in a statement shortly after the agreement was reached. The UAE, which has positioned itself as a mediator in global diplomatic efforts, praised both India and Pakistan for their restraint. The UAE government also expressed confidence that the ceasefire could serve as a foundation for future peace negotiations and more comprehensive dialogue between the two countries.
Both nations emphasized their willingness to assist in any future peace talks and noted that this ceasefire should serve as a stepping stone toward addressing the long-standing issues between India and Pakistan, particularly over the Kashmir region. The UAE and Saudi Arabia’s active role in facilitating the ceasefire demonstrates their growing influence in global diplomacy and their commitment to regional stability.
Broader International Support
The India-Pakistan ceasefire has garnered support from numerous international organizations and governments. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, congratulated both sides for reaching the agreement and urged both India and Pakistan to take further steps toward building trust and resolving their longstanding disputes. The UN has consistently called for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue, which has been a flashpoint for conflict between the two countries since their partition in 1947.
China, a neighbor to both India and Pakistan, also expressed support for the ceasefire, calling it a positive step toward reducing tensions in the region. The Chinese government reiterated its commitment to peace and stability in South Asia, urging both India and Pakistan to resolve their differences through dialogue.
In addition, the European Union welcomed the ceasefire, stressing that a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute was essential for regional and global security. The European bloc has long advocated for dialogue between India and Pakistan, with the hope that it would lead to a more stable South Asia.
Challenges Ahead
While the ceasefire represents a major step forward, challenges remain. Sporadic violations of the ceasefire have been reported along the LoC, with both sides accusing each other of breaching the terms of the agreement. These skirmishes, although limited, could escalate if not addressed quickly through diplomatic channels.
Moreover, the underlying issues that have fueled the conflict between India and Pakistan—most notably, the Kashmir dispute—remain unresolved. Both countries have deeply entrenched positions on the region, and any lasting peace will require difficult compromises. The ceasefire is a temporary respite, but it is not a solution to the broader geopolitical issues at play.
The role of Saudi Arabia and the UAE will be crucial in facilitating continued dialogue between India and Pakistan. Both countries have established close ties with Indian and Pakistani leaders and have the diplomatic leverage to encourage further peace talks. Given their neutral stance and commitment to stability, the Gulf states could play a significant role in bridging the gap between the two countries.
Conclusion
The ceasefire between India and Pakistan represents a significant diplomatic achievement, easing tensions in a region that has long been a source of instability. The support of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, along with other international actors, has been vital in facilitating this breakthrough. However, while the ceasefire is a positive development, the road to lasting peace will require continued dialogue, trust-building, and efforts to address the underlying issues between the two nations. The international community must remain engaged in supporting this process to ensure that the ceasefire leads to a more durable peace in South Asia.
The Saudi and UAE governments have demonstrated their commitment to fostering peace in the region, underscoring the importance of diplomacy and international cooperation in resolving complex conflicts. As the situation evolves, the role of these Gulf nations will remain critical in promoting dialogue and preventing further escalation. With sustained efforts, the India-Pakistan ceasefire could be the first step toward a broader peace agreement that benefits the entire region.
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