UN Chief Applauds India-Pakistan Ceasefire, Offers Support for Peace Efforts
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, describing it as a positive step toward de-escalating rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
The development follows a U.S.-brokered deal announced on Saturday, which brought an end to weeks of hostilities that had sparked international concern.
In a statement, Guterres reaffirmed the United Nations’ readiness to support initiatives aimed at fostering peace and stability in South Asia.
Tensions between the two nations had sharply escalated after gunmen attacked a group of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, killing at least 26 people and wounding dozens more.
India and Pakistan, both of whom claim the disputed Himalayan region in full but control separate parts, have long been embroiled in conflict over the territory. The recent flare-up raised fears of a direct military confrontation, prompting urgent calls for diplomatic resolution from the international community.
India and Pakistan both administered parts of the Himalayan region but claimed the territory in its entirety and it had been a scene of unrest for decades.
In the past week, fears grew of an outright military confrontation and the UN expressed deep concerns over deteriorating relations between the two neighbours.
Guterres had told journalists that tensions were higher than they had been in years and reiterated calls for maximum restraint.
On Saturday, however, there were reports of jubilation in both India and Pakistan at news of the ceasefire, which was believed to be the result of talks mediated by the U.S.
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Representatives of the U.S., India and Pakistan all announced the ceasefire on social media platforms.
However, there had since been reports of skirmishes, including drone attacks after the ceasefire.
The Secretary-General welcomed the ceasefire agreement as a positive step towards ending current hostilities and easing tensions.
Guterres hoped the agreement would “contribute to lasting peace and foster an environment conducive to addressing broader, longstanding issues between the two countries.”
U.S. Vice President James Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had since Thursday engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, led by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, respectively, to achieve the ceasefire deal.
“I am pleased to announce the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site.
“We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace,” Rubio said in a statement following the ceasefire agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the reaching of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan on Saturday following U.S.-led talks to end the most serious military confrontation between the nuclear-armed rivals in decades.
“After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE.
“Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
By PRNigeria
