Hope India, Pak use ceasefire to deal with ‘outstanding issues’: UN chief's spokesperson

Earlier, Antonio Guterres had also welcomed the ceasefire understanding between Islamabad and New Delhi and had described it as a “positive step”.

Published on: May 14, 2025, 13:08:47 IST

By HT News Desk

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On India and Pakistan reaching an understanding to withhold fire across land, air and sea after four days of intense military conflict, a spokesperson for United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed hope that both countries will use the ceasefire to deal with a lot of “outstanding issues” between them.

Earlier, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had also welcomed the ceasefire understanding between Islamabad and New Delhi. (File/REUTERS)

Stephane Dujarric, Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson, also hoped that the ceasefire would continue.

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“The ceasefire is holding. I think we have seen that we're in a better place than we were before. We hope that the ceasefire will continue to hold, and we hope that the parties will use this to deal with a lot of the outstanding issues between them,” said on Tuesday, reported PTI.

Earlier, Antonio Guterres had also welcomed the ceasefire understanding between Islamabad and New Delhi and had described it as a “positive step” towards easing tensions.

Guterres said he hopes “the agreement will contribute to lasting peace and foster an environment conducive to addressing broader, longstanding issues between the two countries,” according to a statement released by Dujarric on Saturday.

Also read: Why India, Pakistan diplomats asked to leave within 24 hours

India-Pakistan ceasefire understanding

On May 10, after four days of intense military showdown between India and Pakistan, both countries agreed to hold fire and military actions after their DGMOs came to a ceasefire understanding.

While US President Donald Trump was the first to announce the ceasefire agreement and took credit for brokering it, the Indian authorities have maintained that it was Pakistan’s DGMO who reached out to his Indian counterpart, and they both agreed to hold hostilities. Indian authorities have made no mention of the involvement of any third party in brokering the ceasefire understanding.

On May 7, India launched a series of surprise attacks on nine terror bases across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under ‘Operation Sindoor’. The operation was launched to avenge the deaths of the 26 victims of the devastating terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22.

After four days of military conflict, on May 10, both India and Pakistan agreed to cease fire and military action.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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