UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has expressed his support for all efforts to de-escalate the conflict between India and Pakistan, following the announcement of an immediate ceasefire between the two countries. The ceasefire agreement was brokered by the United States after a night of intense talks mediated by Washington.
In a statement, Guterres’ Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq, stated, “We are monitoring but we welcome all efforts to de-escalate the conflict.” This development comes after a dangerous escalation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, with both countries launching attacks on each other’s military facilities.
President Donald Trump took to social media to announce the ceasefire, praising both countries for their “Common Sense and Great Intelligence” in reaching this agreement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also confirmed the ceasefire, revealing that discussions with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, led to the breakthrough.
Rubio commended the leaders of both countries for their “wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship” in choosing the path of peace. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also confirmed the ceasefire, stating that both India and Pakistan had reached an understanding to halt firing and military actions.
The ceasefire comes in the aftermath of India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan retaliated by targeting Indian military installations, but no further attacks have been successful since the ceasefire agreement.
The announcement of the ceasefire and the initiation of talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site mark a significant step towards easing tensions between India and Pakistan. The international community has welcomed this development and hopes for a lasting peace in the region.
