India (Commonwealth Union)_ Following four days of escalating military tensions across the Line of Control (LoC), India and Pakistan have reached a ceasefire agreement, a move welcomed by leaders and international organizations worldwide as a major step toward regional peace and stability.
India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement
On Saturday, both New Delhi and Islamabad announced a ceasefire following intense cross-border exchanges that had raised fears of wider conflict. Although initial reactions were hopeful, reports later emerged of ceasefire violations from the Pakistani side. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the Indian armed forces were responding appropriately to such breaches and emphasized that the situation is being closely monitored. “This is a breach of understanding. The army is monitoring the situation closely,” Misri said during a press briefing. He noted that although the agreement was reached to de-escalate tensions, continued violations undermined the intent of peace. India’s response came in the backdrop of its recent launch of Operation Sindoor, a military campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure following a deadly attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, had claimed responsibility.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lauds the move
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire agreement as a positive step toward reducing regional hostilities. Speaking through his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, Guterres expressed hope that the truce would pave the way for sustainable peace and provide an atmosphere for addressing deeper, longstanding issues. During the peak of the conflict, Guterres had publicly urged both nations to avoid escalation. “The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan,” he had warned, while consistently calling for dialogue. Moreover, Guterres unequivocally condemned the Pahalgam massacre, stating that attacks targeting civilians are unacceptable and must be met with justice through credible and lawful means.
United Nations General Assembly President Philemon Yang
Philemon Yang, President of the United Nations General Assembly, also welcomed the ceasefire. In a statement, Yang said the development reflects the commitment of both nations to regional peace and stability. He stressed the importance of sustained dialogue to ensure that such agreements yield long-term results.
Reactions from the United States
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated both nations for using common sense and great intelligence, emphasizing the importance of restraint. He had been in contact with both sides during the escalation, urging immediate de-escalation.
European Union
European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas called the ceasefire a vital step toward de-escalation. She further urged both nations to remain committed to the agreement, emphasizing that all possible efforts must be made to ensure the ceasefire holds.
Britain
British Foreign Minister David Lammy described the development as hugely welcome and encouraged both parties to sustain the momentum. “De-escalation is in everybody’s interest,” he added.
Iran
Iran, which shares a long border with Pakistan, also lauded the ceasefire agreement. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei called on both countries “to use this opportunity to ensure a reduction in tensions and lasting peace in the region.”
Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus praised the leadership of Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, calling their decision to halt hostilities an act of wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship. He further announced that talks between the two nations would begin soon at a neutral venue.
Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini
Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims, expressed optimism over the truce. “I pray that both countries will work to resolve issues that date back to 1947 through dialogue and peaceful means,” he said.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake echoed the same sentiment, calling the ceasefire an urgent need to protect innocent lives and a first step toward a broader peace. “This willingness to compromise demonstrates their wisdom and statesmanship,” he said, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s support for peaceful dialogue.
The future
While the ceasefire marks a hopeful development in a historically fraught relationship, its success will depend on mutual trust, restraint, and continuous engagement. The global community has clearly signaled its support for peace, but the road ahead remains uncertain unless both nations commit to maintaining and building upon this fragile truce.
