‘The task now is to make it last’: Global powers back India-Pakistan ceasefire, urge dialogue

Cairo called on both India and Pakistan to honour the ceasefire and “fulfil the aspirations of the Indian and Pakistani peoples for peace, prosperity, and development.”

A chorus of international voices, from Europe to West Asia, on May 10, welcomed the ceasefire declaration between India and Pakistan, urging both nuclear-armed neighbours to seize the opportunity for long-term peace and regional stability following weeks of heightened military tension.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking from Kyiv where he is attending European peace talks, said the UK had been “engaged” with both countries for several days in pursuit of the ceasefire.

“I’m pleased to see today that there’s a ceasefire. The task now is to make sure that that is enduring and is lasting,” he told the BBC.

Türkiye and Azerbaijan also issued statements in support of the ceasefire, calling it a crucial move for South Asian stability.

“We welcome the declaration of a ceasefire between Pakistan and India. We call on the parties to make maximum use of the opportunity provided by the ceasefire to establish a direct and healthy dialogue,” said Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Emphasising the need for systemic solutions to prevent future flare-ups, the Turkish statement added, “Dialogue mechanisms to prevent similar escalations, including in the field of counter-terrorism, need to be established to ensure sustainable stability in South Asia.” It also thanked “all countries involved, in particular the USA,” for helping facilitate the agreement.

Azerbaijan echoed similar sentiments in a statement by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

“We welcome the declaration of a ceasefire between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. We express our hope that this ceasefire will contribute to the reduction of tensions in the region, as well as to the establishment of lasting peace and stability.”

The statement further urged both countries to “engage in productive dialogue aimed at resolving outstanding issues and building mutual trust.”

Egypt, too, welcomed the development, framing it as a chance to de-escalate and work toward shared regional aspirations.

In a statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it saw the ceasefire as “a significant step towards reducing tensions and fostering security and stability in South Asia.”

Cairo called on both India and Pakistan to honour the ceasefire and “fulfil the aspirations of the Indian and Pakistani peoples for peace, prosperity, and development.”

It reiterated Egypt’s belief in peaceful conflict resolution and added that the development could also impact broader global peace efforts, particularly in the Middle East, where Cairo continues to support efforts to end the war in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, China, the United Arab Emirates, and several other countries also welcomed the ceasefire understanding, expressing relief that tensions between the two South Asian nations did not spiral into full-blown conflict.

Germany's foreign office described the agreement as “a first, important step out of the escalation spiral,” adding: “Dialogue is key. The German government has been in contact with both sides in the past days.”

The European Union, too, weighed in. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas said she had spoken to both Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers and termed the truce a “vital step toward de-escalation.”

“All efforts must be made to ensure it is respected,” she wrote on X, reaffirming the EU’s support for peace, regional stability, and counter-terrorism cooperation.

Hours after India and Pakistan announced a ceasefire in their four-day conflict, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the move as a "positive step" toward easing tensions.

His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said Guterres hopes it will lead to "lasting peace" and help address "broader, long-standing issues between the two countries." Dujarric added, "The United Nations stands ready to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region." The ceasefire follows cross-border attacks that extended beyond Kashmir.