India, Pakistan to hold talks on broad set of issues at neutral site: US Secretary of State Rubio

The talks are expected to cover a wide range of bilateral and security issues as both nations step back from the brink following recent cross-border tensions.

In a major diplomatic breakthrough, the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and will begin talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral location, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on May 10.

However, government sources confirmed that India and Pakistan's agreement to an immediate ceasefire was reached directly between the two countries, without third-party mediation for the agreement itself. Sources also clarified that there is currently no decision to hold talks on any issue at any other neutral country.

Rubio posted on X that the ceasefire agreement comes after 48 hours of intense diplomatic engagement by US Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary Rubio with top Indian and Pakistani leadership. The two spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors including India’s Ajit Doval.

Over the past 48 hours, @VP Vance and I have engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit
Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) May 10, 2025

“We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace,” Blinken said in a statement, adding that the U.S. will continue to support efforts aimed at regional stability.

Catch all the latest updates on India-Pakistan coverage on our live blog

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Saturday confirmed that India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire starting 5 PM, May 10. Addressing a press briefing, Misri said the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan initiated a call to his Indian counterpart at 3 PM, with a follow-up conversation scheduled for May 12.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also confirmed that India and Pakistan have reached an understanding to halt firing and military action. In a post on X, he reiterated that India has always maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and will continue to uphold that position.

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. Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 10, 2025

His remarks came shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that “India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire.” Trump congratulated both nations for “using common sense and great intelligence,” and thanked them for their attention to the matter.