Foreign Secretary David Lammy, diaspora groups, and analysts weigh in on ceasefire developments
London, May 10 – The United Kingdom on Saturday welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, urging both nations to uphold this crucial step toward regional de-escalation. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the ceasefire as a “hugely welcome” move, encouraging both sides to sustain their efforts to maintain peace.The ceasefire, effective from 5:00 pm IST on Saturday, was confirmed following a call between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of India and Pakistan. This came shortly after Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the cessation of all military activities on land, air, and sea.
Global Support for Peace
Lammy, expressing concern over recent escalations, called for "dialogue that leads to a swift and sustainable ceasefire." His remarks followed a joint G7 statement earlier in the day, in which foreign ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States, and the EU High Representative condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and emphasized maximum restraint.The statement warned that “further military escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability” and called on both countries to engage in direct talks. The UK government emphasized its support for “a swift and lasting diplomatic resolution” and said it would continue to monitor the situation closely.
Reactions from the British Indian Diaspora
In Britain, diaspora groups responded with cautious optimism. The Friends of India Society International (FISI) UK praised India’s “firm and uncompromising” stand against terrorism, while INSIGHT UK emphasized unity through a “humanity against terrorism” message.House of Lords peer and British Sikh Association Chairman, Lord Rami Ranger, welcomed the ceasefire, stating, “There are no winners in war. A lot of innocent people suffer unnecessarily. I welcome this step and hope that good sense will prevail.”
He added a hopeful yet pointed message: “History has a habit of repeating itself if we don’t learn from it. This could be the time when we draw a line and end this hostility forever.”
Analysts Caution on Long-Term Stability
Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, experts cautioned that the ceasefire may not address the deeper, unresolved issues. Chietigj Bajpaee, a Senior Research Fellow at Chatham House, noted that the fundamental grievances in the India-Pakistan relationship remain intact.“India has stated that it considers any future terror attack an act of war, so the situation remains precarious. Short of a genuine peace process, it is not a question of if, but when tensions escalate again,” Bajpaee said.
He also highlighted how the regional tensions pose a strategic dilemma for India amid its pursuit of multiple Free Trade Agreements, including recent and ongoing negotiations with the UK, EU, and US.
Calls for Peace in London
As news of the ceasefire broke, civil society organisations in the UK prepared for an “Emergency Peace Demonstration” at Parliament Square in London. Groups such as South Asia Solidarity Group, South Asia Justice Campaign, Hindus for Human Rights UK, and India Labour Solidarity gathered to demand an immediate halt to hostilities and the initiation of peace talks.In a collective statement, South Asia Solidarity Group declared, “We are also standing together in our determination to thwart further attempts to divide our communities here in Britain.”
As the ceasefire brings momentary calm, all eyes are now on the next steps towards a sustainable peace process between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.