Pakistan and India have agreed to a complete and immediate ceasefire after days of deadly attacks with fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery, US President Donald Trump announced in a surprise statement, congratulating them on using “common sense”.

Official representatives from Islamabad and New Delhi confirmed the news minutes after Trump posted the message on his social media network Truth, as the conflict between the neighboring nuclear powers appeared to be escalating into a full-scale war.

"After a long night of negotiations, brokered by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. I congratulate both sides on their display of common sense and great intelligence,“ Trump wrote.

Indian Foreign Minister Vishnu Misri said the two countries would ”cease all firing and military action on land, in the air and at sea" from 5 p.m. (local time).

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said: “Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect. Pakistan has always sought peace and security in the region without compromising its sovereignty and territorial integrity!”

A source in the Indian government said the ceasefire had been agreed at the bilateral level.

“The cessation of firing and military action between India and Pakistan has been agreed directly between the two sides,” said the source, who wished to remain anonymous.

The truce comes after a day that began with Pakistan attacking Indian air bases in response to what it claimed were “nighttime attacks on its bases.”

Indian Air Force Commander Viomika Singh said at a briefing on May 10 that there had been “several high-speed missile attacks” on air bases but “limited damage” to equipment.

Pakistan earlier accused India of launching missile strikes on three of its bases, including one in Rawalpindi, about 10 kilometers from the capital Islamabad. Authorities in Pakistani Kashmir said 11 civilians were killed in Indian shelling overnight.

The clashes between the two neighboring countries are the worst in decades and have claimed the lives of over 60 civilians. | BGNES