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The Hindu
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
U.K., U.S. to continue working for enduring India, Pakistan ceasefire: Lammy
The U.K. and U.S. have been working together to make permanent the ceasefire between India and Pakistan following the recent round of hostilities, according to U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy. New Delhi and Islamabad engaged in rounds of armed conflict following the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam , in which 26 civilians were killed. '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,' Mr. Lammy told Reuters in Islamabad at the end of his two-day visit to Pakistan. Mr Lammy's remarks, which imply that the U.K. and U.S. are involved in the Kashmir issue, echo U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated messaging that his administration was instrumental in brokering a May 10 ceasefire between New Delhi and Islamabad. The Labour Party been engaged in a resetting of ties with India and British Indians, walking back previous positions on Kashmir. In 2020, months after the Modi government mooted legal and administrative changes to Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer (who was then the country's Leader of the Opposition) had said Kashmir was a 'bilateral issue for India and Pakistan to resolve peacefully'. The Hindu reached out to the U.K. Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for confirmation of the U.K. government's position on Kashmir and the nature of U.K.- U.S. coordination on the recent ceasefire. Indian government officials had said that Mr Lammy would not visit New Delhi immediately after visiting Islamabad, given India's strong emphasis of de-hyphenation from Pakistan. Mr Lammy had spoken with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on May 15 and he is expected to visit New Delhi 'soon' according to a statement from the FCDO published on Friday.
Express Tribune
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
UK foreign secretary welcomes Pakistan-India ceasefire, says conflict serves no one
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy calls on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Friday, May 16, 2025. Photo: PID Listen to article British Foreign Secretary David Lammy hailed Pakistan and India for defusing tensions and agreeing to a ceasefire during meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on his official visit to Islamabad while stating that 'the conflict serves no one's interest'. Premier Sharif met Lammy on Friday at the Prime Minister's House, expressing satisfaction with the positive momentum in Pakistan–UK relations and reaffirming his commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation across all sectors. Reiterating Pakistan's strong commitment to the ceasefire agreement, the PM noted that Pakistan had demonstrated immense patience and restraint in response to India's baseless accusations and unprovoked aggression. He stressed that Pakistan's actions in exercising its right to self-defence were both proportionate and targeted. Highlighting Pakistan's unwavering resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs, PM Sharif underscored the country's enduring desire for peace in South Asia. He also extended his best wishes to His Majesty King Charles III and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Read more: Greatest honour is forcing enemy to ceasefire: PM marks Youm-e-Tashakur This marks the first visit by a British foreign secretary to Pakistan since 2021. A statement from the British High Commission in Islamabad noted that Lammy welcomed the ceasefire, underscoring that peace and security form the foundation of the UK's relationship with Pakistan. Highlighting the importance of regional stability, Lammy praised efforts to end the long-standing hostility between Pakistan and India, calling the past few weeks 'distressing.' 'The past few weeks have been difficult for British Pakistanis and British Indians alike. We particularly welcome the ceasefire between British Pakistanis and British Indians,' he added. Referring to the heightened tensions after Pahalgam incident, he said the UK had made every effort to de-escalate the situation. 'Both India and Pakistan have agreed to stop hostilities, and the ceasefire remains in place.' Reaffirming the UK's commitment to counter-terrorism efforts and ensuring the continuation of the ceasefire, Lammy highlighted the long-standing cooperation between the UK and Pakistan in promoting regional peace and stability. Earlier, DPM Dar met with Lammy in Islamabad, warmly welcoming the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, according to a statement from the Foreign Office. Read more: Pakistan reaffirms support for China's territorial integrity in Zangnan Dar extended a cordial welcome to Lammy on his first official visit to Pakistan. The two leaders held detailed discussions on recent developments in South Asia, with a particular focus on the Pakistan–India ceasefire. The DPM informed the British foreign secretary of India's unprovoked and aggressive actions, condemning them as violations of Pakistan's sovereignty, international law, the United Nations Charter, and the principles of interstate relations. He maintained that Pakistan had exercised its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, Dar appreciated the UK's constructive and positive role in reducing tensions. Both sides stressed the importance of restraint and sustained dialogue to ensure long-term peace and stability in the region. The meeting also addressed bilateral relations, with both parties expressing satisfaction over progress in trade, economic cooperation, and development partnerships. Dar lauded the UK's valuable support in the fields of education, healthcare, and climate resilience. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including climate change and sustainable development. They reiterated their resolve to strengthen the historic and long-standing ties between Pakistan and the UK, built on mutual respect, shared values, and strong people-to-people connections.
The Hindu
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
United Kingdom discusses rising tensions between India, Pakistan in Parliament; appeals for de-escalation
The rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and 'Operation Sindoor' targeting terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) were debated at length in the British Parliament on Thursday (May 8, 2025) with members across the parties appealing for efforts by the U.K. to aid de-escalation in the region. India launched Operation Sindoor early hours of May 7, 2025, hitting nine terror targets in PoK and Pakistan's Punjab province in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack that killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. U.K. Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer opened the debate in the House of Commons on May 7, 2025 with a statement reiterating Prime Minister Keir Starmer's earlier remarks over the importance of diplomacy and dialogue. He also expressed concerns related to the very 'personal' aspect of the conflict for a large number of British Indians and British Pakistanis in the country. 'Our consistent message to both India and Pakistan has been to show restraint. They need to engage in dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward,' said Mr. Falconer. 'The U.K. has a close and unique relationship with both countries. It is heartbreaking to see civilian lives being lost. If this escalates further, nobody wins. We clearly condemned the horrific terrorist attack last month,' he said, referring to the Pahalgam terror attack and said it was the worst such attack for many years in that region. 'Now, we need all sides to focus urgently on the steps needed to restore regional stability and ensure the protection of civilians,' Mr. Falconer said. He asserted that the U.K. will continue to work closely with international partners in pursuit of 'short-term de-escalation and longer-term stability.' 'We now need to see calm heads. Britain will continue to play its full part for de-escalation and diplomacy,' he said. U.K. Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel highlighted India's right to take 'reasonable and proportionate' steps to defend itself, and to dismantle the 'vile terrorist infrastructure' that has caused death and continues to threaten Indian security. 'Terrorists based in Pakistan threaten India and western interests — it was the country that Osama bin Laden was hiding in — and because of the long history of violence being inflicted by terrorists on India, the U.K. has in place long-standing security cooperation agreements with India,' noted the British Indian MP. She went on to question if Britain could offer specific support that might help avert escalation and also asked for the government's assessment of who carried out the terror attack in Kashmir on April 22. 'I can confirm that I have had extended discussions with my Pakistani counterparts about the terrorist threats within Pakistan and the efforts that need to be made to address that. That is a terrorist threat that affects Pakistan herself, which, even in recent months, has suffered significant terrorist attacks,' Mr. Falconer responded. India-born Labour MP Jas Athwal addressed the Commons on a personal note highlighting that his parents were born in Pakistan. 'I know only too well that neither nation will take a backward step, so what can the Minister do to assure me and my residents in Ilford South that we will do everything possible to bring both the superpowers to the negotiating table to restore peace to this volatile part of the world,' he asked. Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman called for terrorist bases to be removed 'once and for all' from Pakistan. 'It was made clear at the time by India that either Pakistan removes the terrorist spaces along the line of control, or India would remove them… nine sites were hit; Those were terrorist bases where terrorists were being trained to commit further atrocities in India,' he said. A number of Pakistani-origin British MPs also intervened to condemn the 'massive escalation' and a real threat of war between the two nuclear powers. 'It is important that the House remains focussed on the importance of de-escalation,' the Minister stressed.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
UK Parliament debates India-Pakistan conflict, appeals for de-escalation
The rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in PoK was debated at length in the British Parliament, with members across parties appealing for UK efforts to aid de-escalation in the region. India launched Operation Sindoor early Wednesday, hitting nine terror targets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan's Punjab province in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack that killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. #Operation Sindoor Live Updates| From Sindoor to showdown? Track Indo-Pak conflict as it unfolds India's biggest strike against Pakistan since 1971: 70+ terrorists, aides killed Pakistan mounts campaign of lies, deceit and disinformation UK Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer opened the debate in the House of Commons on Wednesday with a statement reiterating Prime Minister Keir Starmer 's earlier remarks over the importance of diplomacy and dialogue. He also expressed concerns related to the very "personal" aspect of the conflict for a large number of British Indians and British Pakistanis in the country. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by "Our consistent message to both India and Pakistan has been to show restraint. They need to engage in dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward," said Falconer. "The UK has a close and unique relationship with both countries. It is heartbreaking to see civilian lives being lost. If this escalates further, nobody wins. We clearly condemned the horrific terrorist attack last month," he said referring to the Pahalgam terror attack and said it was the worst such attack for many years for that region. Live Events "Now, we need all sides to focus urgently on the steps needed to restore regional stability and ensure the protection of civilians," Falconer said. He asserted that the UK will continue to work closely with international partners in pursuit of "short-term de-escalation and longer-term stability". "We now need to see calm heads. Britain will continue to play its full part for de-escalation and diplomacy," he said. UK shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel highlighted India's right to take "reasonable and proportionate" steps to defend itself, and to dismantle the "vile terrorist infrastructure" that has caused death and continues to threaten Indian security. "Terrorists based in Pakistan threaten India and western interests - it was the country that Osama bin Laden was hiding in - and because of the long history of violence being inflicted by terrorists on India, the UK has in place long-standing security cooperation agreements with India," noted the British Indian MP. She went on to question if Britain could offer specific support that might help avert escalation and also asked for the government's assessment of who carried out the terror attack in Kashmir on April 22. "I can confirm that I have had extended discussions with my Pakistani counterparts about the terrorist threats within Pakistan and the efforts that need to be made to address that. That is a terrorist threat that affects Pakistan herself, which, even in recent months, has suffered significant terrorist attacks," minister Falconer responded. India-born Labour MP Jas Athwal addressed the Commons on a personal note, highlighting that his parents were born in Pakistan. "I know only too well that neither nation will take a backward step, so what can the minister do to assure me and my residents in Ilford South that we will do everything possible to bring both the superpowers to the negotiating table to restore peace to this volatile part of the world," he asked. Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman called for terrorist bases to be removed "once and for all" from Pakistan. "It was made clear at the time by India that either Pakistan removes the terrorist spaces along the line of control, or India would remove them... nine sites were hit; Those were terrorist bases where terrorists were being trained to commit further atrocities in India," he said. A number of Pakistani-origin British MPs also intervened to condemn the "massive escalation" and a real threat of war between the two nuclear powers. "It is important that the House remains focused on the importance of de-escalation," the minister stressed.
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Business Standard
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
UK Parliament debates India-Pakistan conflict, appeals for de-escalation
The rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and Op Sindoor targeting terror camps in PoK was debated at length in the British Parliament, with members across parties appealing for UK efforts to aid de-escalation in the region. India launched Operation Sindoor early Wednesday, hitting nine terror targets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan's Punjab province in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack that killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. UK Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer opened the debate in the House of Commons on Wednesday with a statement reiterating Prime Minister Keir Starmer's earlier remarks over the importance of diplomacy and dialogue. He also expressed concerns related to the very personal aspect of the conflict for a large number of British Indians and British Pakistanis in the country. Our consistent message to both India and Pakistan has been to show restraint. They need to engage in dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward, said Falconer. The UK has a close and unique relationship with both countries. It is heartbreaking to see civilian lives being lost. If this escalates further, nobody wins. We clearly condemned the horrific terrorist attack last month, he said referring to the Pahalgam terror attack and said it was the worst such attack for many years for that region. Now, we need all sides to focus urgently on the steps needed to restore regional stability and ensure the protection of civilians, Falconer said. He asserted that the UK will continue to work closely with international partners in pursuit of short-term de-escalation and longer-term stability. We now need to see calm heads. Britain will continue to play its full part for de-escalation and diplomacy, he said. UK shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel highlighted India's right to take reasonable and proportionate steps to defend itself, and to dismantle the vile terrorist infrastructure that has caused death and continues to threaten Indian security. Terrorists based in Pakistan threaten India and western interests it was the country that Osama bin Laden was hiding in and because of the long history of violence being inflicted by terrorists on India, the UK has in place long-standing security cooperation agreements with India, noted the British Indian MP. She went on to question if Britain could offer specific support that might help avert escalation and also asked for the government's assessment of who carried out the terror attack in Kashmir on April 22. India-born Labour MP Jas Athwal addressed the Commons on a personal note, highlighting that his parents were born in Pakistan. I know only too well that neither nation will take a backward step, so what can the minister do to assure me and my residents in Ilford South that we will do everything possible to bring both the superpowers to the negotiating table to restore peace to this volatile part of the world, he asked. Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman called for terrorist bases to be removed once and for all from Pakistan. It was made clear at the time by India that either Pakistan removes the terrorist spaces along the line of control, or India would remove them. nine sites were hit; Those were terrorist bases where terrorists were being trained to commit further atrocities in India, he said.
