
Ceasefire Context and Announcement
On May 10, 2025, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire, ending days of escalating tensions and military actions. The truce was announced at 5 pm local time, following U.S.-mediated talks, with President Donald Trump confirming the agreement via a post on Truth Social
.
The ceasefire is seen as a significant step toward regional stability, reducing geopolitical risk, which often drives safe-haven demand for assets like Bitcoin and gold. However, reports of explosions and alleged violations shortly after the announcement, denied by both sides, raise questions about its sustainability
.
Crypto Market Reaction
The ceasefire announcement triggered an immediate positive reaction in crypto markets. Within hours, Bitcoin (BTC) recorded a 2.5% price jump, moving from $68,500 to $70,215 by 16:00 UTC on major exchanges like Binance
. Ethereum (ETH) followed, gaining 1.8% to reach $2,950 by the same timestamp. Trading volumes for BTC/USDT on Binance spiked by 18% between 14:30 and 16:30 UTC, indicating strong retail and institutional interest.
Other cryptocurrencies, such as Polygon (MATIC), saw a 3.1% increase to $0.58 by 17:00 UTC on May 10, 2025, reflecting spillover effects from the positive reaction in Indian equities
. This rally aligns with the broader market trend of increased risk appetite when geopolitical tensions ease, shifting capital from defensive assets to risk-on investments.
Prior to the ceasefire, tensions had caused market volatility. On May 6, 2025, after India’s strikes, Bitcoin dropped below $97,000, reflecting fears of escalation
. However, markets rebounded quickly as India emphasized non-escalatory actions, setting the stage for the bullish response to the ceasefire.
Market Sentiment and Future Outlook
The reduction in regional geopolitical risk is expected to sustain the bullish momentum in crypto markets. Geopolitical stability often correlates with increased investor confidence in volatile assets like cryptocurrencies, potentially driving further upside. The positive reaction in Indian equities suggests potential spillover effects into crypto assets tied to regional economic growth, such as Polygon, which has significant adoption in India.
However, the reports of ceasefire violations, though denied, introduce uncertainty. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that Pakistan had violated the understanding, while Pakistan’s information minister denied any breaches
. The longevity of the ceasefire will be critical for maintaining market stability, and investors should monitor developments closely.