Britain is working in conjunction with the United States to ensure the ceasefire between Pakistan and India holds and that “confidence-building measures” and dialogue are initiated, stated Foreign Minister David Lammy on Saturday.
Pakistan has acknowledged that Britain, alongside other nations and the United States, played a significant role in de-escalating the most severe conflict in decades between the nuclear-armed South Asian rivals, which erupted the previous week. A swift diplomatic effort successfully brokered the ceasefire on May 10, though diplomats and analysts caution that it remains fragile.
“We will continue to collaborate with the United States to secure an enduring ceasefire, to facilitate dialogue, and to work with both Pakistan and India on establishing trust and confidence-building measures between the two sides,” Lammy conveyed to Reuters in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, at the conclusion of his two-day visit.
Tensions between Pakistan and India escalated over weeks following a deadly attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which New Delhi attributed to Islamabad. Pakistan has denied any involvement. During this period, both nations fired missiles into each other’s territory.
Following India’s unprovoked attacks, Pakistan’s armed forces launched a large-scale retaliatory military operation, codenamed “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” targeting several Indian military locations across multiple regions.
These strikes, described by officials as “precise and proportionate,” were a response to India’s continued aggression across the Line of Control (LoC) and within Pakistan’s territory, actions that New Delhi claimed were aimed at “terrorist targets.” Pakistan reported downing six of its fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft, and numerous drones. The conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations ended on May 10 after approximately 87 hours.
According to ISPR, a total of 53 individuals, including 13 armed forces personnel and 40 civilians, were martyred in Indian strikes during the recent military confrontation.
US President Donald Trump stated after the ceasefire agreement that talks should occur in a third-country venue, although no dates or location for these discussions have been announced.
“These are two neighbours with a long history, but they are two neighbours that have barely been able to communicate with one another during this recent period. We want to ensure that we do not witness further escalation and that the ceasefire is sustained,” Lammy emphasised.
When questioned about India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, which could potentially strain Pakistan’s water supply, Lammy responded, “We would urge all parties to adhere to their treaty obligations.”
Delhi announced last month that it had “put in abeyance” its participation in the 1960 pact governing the use of the Indus river system, a move that Pakistan has indicated it would consider an act of war if it disrupted water access in the agriculturally dependent nation.
Lammy added that Britain would also continue its collaboration with Pakistan on countering “terrorism,” describing it as “a terrible blight on this country and its people, and indeed on the region.”
