2 hours ago
Last Updated:May 11, 2025, 06:54 IST
UK and Saudi Arabia welcomed the development while the European Union termed it a “vital step towards deescalation” and said all efforts must be made to ensure it is respected.
Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers patrol the fenced border with Pakistan. (Image: Reuters)
As India and Pakistan on Saturday worked out an understanding on stopping firing and military action, the UK and Saudi Arabia welcomed the development while the European Union termed it a “vital step towards de-escalation" and said all efforts must be made to ensure it is respected.
Germany said the ceasefire agreed between the two countries is the “first, important step out of the escalation spiral".
The directors general of military operations (DGMO) of India and Pakistan have agreed to stop all firings and military action on land, air and sea with effect from 5 pm on Saturday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Saturday evening.
The brief announcement by the foreign secretary came shortly after US President Donald Trump said India and Pakistan have agreed to a "full and immediate" ceasefire after US-mediated talks.
The DGMO of Pakistan called the DGMO of India at 3.35 pm IST earlier this afternoon, Misri said.
The announcement came days after India carried out Operation Sindoor, striking nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir to avenge the Pahalgam attack.
India and Pakistan on Saturday reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea, with immediate effect after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes that brought the two countries teetering on the edge of full scale war.
Several countries have reacted to this key development in the region.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said this is a “vital step toward de-escalation" and all efforts must be made to ensure it is respected.
In a post on X, Kallas also said she spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
“Just spoke again with @DrSJaishankar and @MIshaqDar50. The announced ceasefire between India and Pakistan is a vital step toward de-escalation. All efforts must be made to ensure it is respected. The EU remains committed to peace, stability, and counter-terrorism in the region," Kallas posted on X.
Just spoke again with @DrSJaishankar and @MIshaqDar50.The announced ceasefire between India and Pakistan is a vital step toward de-escalation. All efforts must be made to ensure it is respected.
The EU remains committed to peace, stability, and counter-terrorism in the region.
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) May 10, 2025
The external affairs minister on Thursday had a phone conversation with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy also welcomed the ceasefire agreed between India and Pakistan, and asserted that “de-escalation is in everybody’s interest".
“Today’s ceasefire between India and Pakistan is hugely welcome. I urge both parties to sustain this. De-escalation is in everybody’s interest," he said in a post on X.
Today’s ceasefire between India and Pakistan is hugely welcome.I urge both parties to sustain this. De-escalation is in everybody’s interest.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) May 10, 2025
Saudi Arabia too welcomed it and expressed optimism that it will help "restore security and peace in the region".
“Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the ceasefire agreement between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of India, optimistic that it will restore security and peace in the region," the Foreign Ministry of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia posted on X.
“The Kingdom commends both parties for prioritising wisdom and self-restraint and reaffirms its support for resolving disputes through dialogue and peaceful means, based on the principles of good neighbourliness and ensuring peace and prosperity for both countries and their peoples," it said.
The German Foreign Office also took to X, and wrote: “The ceasefire agreed between #India and #Pakistan is a first, important step out of the escalation spiral. Dialogue is key. The German government has been in contact with both sides in the past days".
Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar while confirming the ceasefire said that Islamabad has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Pakistani military’s hostilities against India by targeting civilian areas and military installations came after ’Operation Sindoor’ was launched. India also responded to the Pakistani actions firmly.
The fresh military offensives by the two sides since last night marked the most severe confrontations following India’s May 7 action.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI)Location :London, United Kingdom (UK)
First Published:News world UK, Saudi Arabia Welcome Indo-Pak Ceasefire; EU Says 'Vital Step Towards De-Escalation'
