• Following pronouncements of an end to hostilities between India and Pakistan, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the organisation stands ready to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.

• India and Pakistan agreed to stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 5 pm on May 10.

• Tensions between India and Pakistan soared after the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7 to destroy nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. 

• All subsequent retaliations to Pakistani offensives were carried out under ‘Operation Sindoor’. 

• The UN chief’s statement came shortly after news broke of a decision by the two countries to de-escalate a situation that has caused widespread alarm in recent days.

• In the past week, fears grew of an outright military confrontation, and the UN expressed deep concern over deteriorating relations between the two neighbours.

• Guterres welcomed the ceasefire agreement as a positive step toward ending current hostilities and easing tensions and said that he hopes the agreement will “contribute to lasting peace and foster an environment conducive to addressing broader, long-standing issues between the two countries”.

• UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang has described the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan as a reflection of both nations’ commitment to regional peace.

• Several countries have reacted to this key development in the region.

• US President Donald Trump praised the “strong and unwaveringly powerful” leadership of India and Pakistan for reaching a ceasefire and offered to work with them for a solution on the Kashmir issue.

• India has always maintained that the Kashmir issue is a bilateral matter and there is no space for any third party. India asserts that the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh are and always will be integral and inalienable parts of it.

• Germany said the ceasefire agreed between the two countries is the first, important step out of the escalation spiral.

• 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.

• British Foreign Secretary David Lammy welcomed the ceasefire and asserted that de-escalation is in everybody’s interest.

• Saudi Arabia too welcomed it and expressed optimism that it will help restore security and peace in the region.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)