- Pakistan acknowledges significant contributions from Britain and the U.S. in de-escalation efforts.
- Diplomats and analysts describe the Pakistan-India ceasefire as tenuous.
- Lammy criticizes Russia for ‘obfuscation’ regarding Ukraine.
On Saturday, British Foreign Minister David Lammy announced that the UK is collaborating with the United States to establish a lasting ceasefire between Pakistan and India, emphasizing the need for “confidence-building measures” and ongoing dialogue.
Pakistan has credited Britain, along with other nations and the U.S., for playing a crucial role in easing tensions in what has been the most severe conflict in decades between the two nuclear-capable South Asian nations. The ceasefire was achieved on May 10 following swift diplomatic intervention, although experts caution that its stability is uncertain.
“We will continue to collaborate with the U.S. to ensure that this ceasefire holds and that dialogue is maintained, working with both Pakistan and India to foster trust and encourage confidence-building measures,” Lammy told Reuters during his two-day visit to Islamabad.
The recent hostilities saw both countries launch missiles at each other’s territories, triggered by a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, which India blames on Pakistan—a claim that Pakistan denies.
In retaliation to India’s strikes, Pakistan launched a major military operation named “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” targeting multiple Indian military positions. Pakistani officials characterized these strikes as “precise and proportionate,” asserting that they were responses to India’s ongoing provocations across the Line of Control and into Pakistani territory.
Pakistan claims to have downed six of its enemy’s aircraft, including three Rafale jets, as well as numerous drones in the confrontation. This conflict, which unfolded over at least 87 hours, ceased on May 10.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that this military confrontation resulted in the deaths of 53 people, comprising 13 military personnel and 40 civilians due to Indian strikes.
Following the agreement on the ceasefire, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that any future discussions should occur in a neutral country, though specific details about these talks have yet to be announced.
Lammy remarked, “These are two neighbors with a long history who have not been able to communicate effectively in recent years. Our goal is to prevent further escalation and to maintain this ceasefire.”
When questioned about India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty—which could impact Pakistan’s water supply—Lammy responded: “We encourage all parties to honor their treaty commitments.”
India declared last month that it had “put on hold” its participation in the 1960 agreement governing the Indus River system. Pakistan views this action as a potential act of war if it hampers access to vital water resources needed for its agriculture-dependent economy.
Furthermore, Lammy expressed Britain’s commitment to continue working with Pakistan to combat “terrorism,” labeling it “a significant challenge for this country and its people, as well as for the wider region.”
