India and Pakistan today announced a ceasefire, agreeing to stop firing and military action with immediate effect. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made this announcement in New Delhi. He said Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations initiated the call for a ceasefire this afternoon, after which discussions took place and an understanding was reached. He said that during the talks, it was agreed that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, in the air, and at sea. Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. Mr Misri added that the Directors General of Military Operations will talk again on Monday.

Sources said the stoppage of firing and military action between India and Pakistan was worked out directly between the two countries. They stressed that there is no decision to hold talks on any other issue at any other place.