Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong held a telephone call with S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, describing the process of de-escalation as “critical to regional peace”.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Australia became one of the first countries to welcome the “understanding” between India and Pakistan to stop firing and military action on the Line of Control and the International Border (IB) that was reached on May 10 amidst tense circumstances.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong held a telephone call with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, describing the process of de-escalation as “critical to regional peace”. Other regional leaders including the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh government Prof. Mohammad Yunus and Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli have also welcomed the pause in firing.
“I know many Australians are concerned by recent hostilities between India and Pakistan. I’ve spoken with Dr. S. Jaishankar and Ishaq Dar to welcome the ceasefire and urge respect for its terms. De-escalation and counter-terrorism efforts are critical to regional peace and security,” said Ms. Wong after speaking to Mr. Jaishankar who congratulated her on her reappointment and said the two sides “discussed recent developments and the importance of zero-tolerance against terrorism”.
Following the telephone conversation with Ms. Wong, Mr. Dar claimed that Pakistan had “shown restraint” during the conflict and assured that “Pakistan would continue to work in a responsible manner for maintaining regional peace and security”.
Earlier, Prof. Yunus had welcomed the “understanding” between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan. “I would also like to express my deep appreciation to President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio for their effective mediation. Bangladesh will continue to support our two neighbours to resolve differences through diplomacy,” said Mr. Yunus acknowledging the announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump who had announced on social media platform Truth Social about the role that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had played in brokering the understanding between the two sides.
Prime Minister Oli of Nepal spoke in the Nepali parliament on Sunday where he said that the leaders of India and Pakistan have displayed “political maturity” by agreeing to the the “understanding” to stop firing. India launched Operaton Sindoor on May 7 after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead. One of the casualties in the attack was a Nepali citizen. The subsequent tense military confrontation drew concern in Nepal as thousands of Nepali Gurkhas work in the Indian military and are posted in sensitive locations along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border.
Published – May 12, 2025 10:30 pm IST
