Hugely welcome’: World reacts to Pakistan-India ceasefire
The international community on Saturday welcomed the decision by Pakistan and India to enforce a “full and immediate ceasefire” following days of deadly jet fighter, missile, drone, and artillery strikes.
The escalation began following the April 22 attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. India, without investigation or evidence, implied “cross-border linkages” of the attackers. Pakistan has firmly rejected the claim and called for a neutral probe.
Following the allegations, India launched a series of drone strikes on Pakistan, resulting in civilian casualties. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 24 impacts were recorded across six locations, leaving 33 Pakistani civilians dead and 76 injured. In response, Pakistan’s military shot down five Indian jets and destroyed brigade headquarters and multiple checkposts along the Line of Control.
On Saturday morning, India targeted several Pakistani airbases, prompting a swift military response from Pakistan under the retaliatory campaign codenamed Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.
In a breakthrough moment today, the two countries agreed to a ceasefire pushed by US President Donald Trump, with global leaders hailing the move.
The international community breathed a sigh of relief after nuclear-armed arch-rivals —Pakistan and India —reached a US-brokered “full and immediate ceasefire” after days of escalation and clashes.
This is what global leaders have said about the latest development between the nuclear-armed neighbours:
US President Donald Trump
“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!”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
“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.”
Bangladesh Interim leader Muhammad Yunus
“I most sincerely commend Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of India and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan for agreeing to a ceasefire with immediate effect and to engage in talks. Bangladesh will continue to support our two neighbours to resolve differences through diplomacy.”
EU Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas
“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.”
British Foreign Minister David Lammy
“Today’s ceasefire between India and Pakistan is hugely welcome. I urge both parties to sustain this. De-escalation is in everybody’s interest.”
Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini
“I am pleased to see that ceasefire has been agreed upon. I pray that both countries will work to resolve issues that date back to 1947 through dialogue and peaceful means”
German Foreign Office
Germany on Saturday welcomed as a first step the full and immediate ceasefire agreed to by India and Pakistan after days of deadly attacks.
“The ceasefire agreed between #India and #Pakistan is a first, important step out of the escalation spiral. Dialogue is key,” the German foreign office said in a post on the X social media.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry
Saudi Arabia welcomes the ceasefire agreement between Islamabad and New Delhi.
In a statement, the spokesperson of Riyadh’s Foreign Ministry expressed hope that it will restore security and peace in the region.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar received a telephone call from Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al Jubeir, who welcomed the ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India.
PM Shehbaz Sharif
Taking to his X handle, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked US President Trump for his leadership and proactive role for peace in the region .
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire announcement, calling it a “positive step that should lead to peace,” his spokesperson Stephane Dujarri quoted him as saying.
Guterres “hopes the agreement will contribute to lasting peace and foster an environment conducive to addressing broader, longstanding issues between the two countries”, the spokesperson said in a statement.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi phoned him and acknowledged Pakistan’s restraint and appreciated its responsible approach under challenging circumstances.
The Chinese foreign minister reaffirmed that China, as Pakistan’s All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partner and ironclad friend, will continue to stand firmly by Pakistan in upholding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national independence.
“Both leaders emphasised the importance of close communication and agreed to maintain ongoing coordination in the days ahead,” the foreign office said in a post on X.
Turkiye called on both countries to “make maximum use” of the cessation in hostilities to establish dialogue, according to a statement from the Turkish foreign ministry.
“We welcome the declaration of a ceasefire between Pakistan and India. We call on the parties to make maximum use of the opportunity provided by the ceasefire to establish a direct and healthy dialogue,” the statement read.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Aljubeir also welcomed the ceasefire between the two countries, according to a post by the Foreign Office (FO) on X.
