Ceasefire Holds After Intense Cross-Border Escalation
United Nations, May 13 – The United Nations has welcomed the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, viewing it as a significant step toward resolving long-standing issues between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, confirmed during a press briefing on Tuesday that the ceasefire, which reached May 10, continues to be held. "We are in a better place than we were before. We hope the ceasefire will continue to hold, and we hope the parties will use this to deal with many of the outstanding issues between them,” Dujarric said.
Understanding Reached After 'Operation Sindoor'
The ceasefire followed four days of heightened military activity across the Line of Control, involving drone and missile strikes from both sides. Tensions escalated after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.In retaliation, Pakistan attempted to strike Indian military installations between May 8 and 10.
According to Indian government sources, the understanding to cease all land, air, and sea hostilities was reached directly between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries, without any third-party mediation.
UN and Global Reactions
UN Secretary-General Guterres described the agreement as a "positive step" towards de-escalation and long-term peace. On Saturday, he hoped the ceasefire would “contribute to lasting peace and foster an environment conducive to addressing broader, longstanding issues between the two countries.”The UN reiterated its readiness to support initiatives to strengthen peace and stability in the region.
Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Eric Adams echoed the sentiment in a social media post: "New York City is home to vibrant Indian and Pakistani communities, whose ties to their homelands run deep. The recent ceasefire brings hope to many New Yorkers, and we stand with all those who long for lasting peace.”
