British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. File.
| Photo Credit: AP

Days after cessation of firing and large-scale military actions between India and Pakistan, global powers continued to extend support to the existing pause on the military actions between the two sides. The United Kingdom said on Friday (May 16, 2025) it was “determined” to ensure counter-terror efforts as well as the pause in hostilities remained on track. Speaking at Islamabad, U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy strongly condemned terrorism and reminded of close ties that India and Pakistan enjoy with the U.K. and announced that he would visit India soon.

“It is positive that India and Pakistan — both great friends to the U.K. — have agreed to a pause in hostilities and that the ceasefire is holding. Because of the deep and historic links between our populations and our governments we are determined to play our part to counter-terrorism and ensure this fragile ceasefire becomes a durable peace,” said Mr. Lammy, announcing that he would “soon” travel to India. He further said, “Ever since the horrendous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the U.K. has done all it can to play a supportive role to reduce tensions, get to a ceasefire and condemn terrorism.”

Officials here indicated that Mr. Lammy will not arrive here from his tour of Islamabad, mainly because of India’s strong emphasis on de-hyphenation from Pakistan and that Mr. Lammy’s India visit will therefore be announced later.

‘Distressing images’

“The images of conflict between India and Pakistan were distressing for all of us in Britain: but in particular the millions of Brits with Indian and Pakistani heritage, and the many British nationals living in both of these countries,” said Mr. Lammy. The remarks from the U.K. Foreign Secretary who has held multiple phone calls with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on the evolving situation came soon after the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also extended support to the pause in military actions with spokesperson Maria Zakharova expressing hope that the “emerging normalisation” will be long lasting. “We urge both states to settle their disputes through political and diplomatic channels on a bilateral basis,” said Ms. Zakharova.