Global praise for ‘positive step’

TDT | agencies

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UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed a ceasefire announced by India and Pakistan yesterday, calling it a "positive step" that should pave the way for peace, according to his spokesperson.

Guterres "hopes the agreement will contribute to lasting peace and foster an environment conducive to addressing broader, longstanding issues between the two countries," said Stéphane Dujarric in a statement.

The ceasefire, confirmed by both governments, comes after days of deadly cross-border violence and was initially announced by US President Donald Trump. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar affirmed the agreement, posting on X: "Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect. Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity."

International reactions

Iran welcomed the development, calling it an "opportunity" to ease tensions.

"Iran urges both countries to use this opportunity to ensure a reduction in tensions and lasting peace in the region," said foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei.

Germany called the ceasefire a crucial initial move.

"The ceasefire agreed between #India and #Pakistan is a first, important step out of the escalation spiral. Dialogue is key," the German foreign office posted on X.

Britain echoed the sentiment, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy calling the truce “hugely welcome.”

"I urge both parties to sustain this. De-escalation is in everybody’s interest," he wrote on X.

Saudi Arabia had earlier offered to mediate, with Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan speaking to his Indian and Pakistani counterparts. "During the telephone calls, discussions focused on efforts to put an end to the ongoing military clashes," he said in a statement.

Conflicting accounts on mediation

While US President Trump credited American diplomacy for the breakthrough, an Indian government source told AFP the ceasefire was arranged bilaterally between New Delhi and Islamabad.

"The stoppage of firing and military action between India and Pakistan was worked out directly between the two countries," the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Airspace reopened

Following the ceasefire announcement, Pakistan reopened its airspace for all types of flights, according to the Pakistan Airports Authority. "Pakistan's airspace has been fully reopened," the authority said in a statement.

Ground reactions and unverified claims

On the ground, reactions were mixed.

"The ceasefire is a positive step," said Bilal Shabbir, an IT consultant in Muzaffarabad, in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

"In war, it’s not just soldiers who die—it’s mostly civilians—and in this case, it would have been the people of Kashmir." In Srinagar, however, resident Sukesh Khajuria voiced caution: "The ceasefire is welcome, but it’s difficult to trust Pakistan. We have to be vigilant."

Military tensions had escalated sharply in the days leading up to the agreement. Pakistani military sources claimed to have shot down 77 Israeli-made high-tech drones—some of which AFP reporters observed as debris—while Indian officials reported destroying hundreds of Turkish-made Pakistani drones.

Pakistan also said it had downed five Indian warplanes, including three French Rafale fighter jets. New Delhi has not confirmed any losses. Independent verification of these claims has been difficult.