Pakistan, May 18 – The United Kingdom and the United States are actively collaborating to ensure a lasting ceasefire between India and Pakistan while fostering diplomatic dialogue and confidence-building measures, British Foreign Minister David Lammy stated on Saturday during his visit to Islamabad.
The ceasefire, brokered by the U.S. on May 10, follows one of the most severe military confrontations between the nuclear-armed neighbors in nearly three decades. The hostilities erupted after a deadly April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, an incident India attributes to Pakistani-backed militants—a charge Pakistan denies.
World powers, including Britain, expressed concerns over the escalating conflict and called for restraint. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the UK’s commitment to de-escalation, stating his government was “urgently engaging” with both sides.
Lammy reaffirmed Britain’s role in maintaining stability, noting, “We will continue to work with the United States to ensure that we get an enduring ceasefire, to ensure that dialogue is happening and to work through with Pakistan and India how we can get to confidence and confidence-building measures between the two sides.”
Another pressing issue is India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, a 1960 agreement that ensures water distribution crucial for Pakistan’s agriculture. India announced the suspension a day after the Kashmir attack, raising concerns about Pakistan’s water security. Lammy urged both nations to adhere to their treaty obligations.
The brief but intense conflict involved four days of drone, missile, and artillery exchanges, resulting in approximately 70 casualties, including civilians, before a ceasefire was brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump later told Fox News he had intervened to prevent a potential “nuclear war” and encouraged trade agreements between the rival nations.
During his discussions with Lammy, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his desire for regional peace despite recent tensions. Sharif’s office stated, “The UK Foreign Secretary congratulated the Prime Minister on the ceasefire understanding and said the UK would continue to play a constructive role for promotion of peace and stability in the region.”
Lammy’s visit, just days after the conflict, underscores Britain’s commitment to fostering diplomatic efforts between Pakistan and India. While the ceasefire remains fragile, diplomats and analysts continue to monitor developments, hoping for sustained peace in South Asia.
