<p>The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday welcomed the recent ceasefire between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that it would lead to lasting peace in <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/business/stock-market/article/us-israel-attack-iran-drop-in-crude-oil-prices-sensex-jumps-4-pc-jump-sharply-after-us-iran-ceasefire-23624711" target="_blank" rel="none noopener"><strong>West Asia</strong></a>.</p>
<p>In an official statement, the ministry stressed the importance of de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy to end the ongoing conflict.</p>
<p>The MEA noted that the conflict had caused significant suffering and disrupted global energy supplies and trade networks.</p>
<p>In an official statement, posted on X, MEA emphasised the need to ensure uninterrupted navigation and smooth flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Statement on the recent development in West Asia ⬇️<br /><br />? <a href="https://t.co/WwFCi4kXHg">https://t.co/WwFCi4kXHg</a> <a href="https://t.co/wmsF4YUb7j">pic.twitter.com/wmsF4YUb7j</a></p>
&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/2041788251372187871?ref_src=twsrc-Etfw">April 8, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Trump announces ceasefire</h2>
<p>Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced a two-week suspension of military strikes on Iran, describing it as a &ldquo;double-sided ceasefire&rdquo;.</p>
<p>He said the decision was based on progress in <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/us-israel-attack-iran-israel-backs-us-iran-ceasefire-excludes-operations-against-hezbollah-in-lebanon-23624715" target="_blank" rel="none noopener"><strong>negotiations</strong></a> and a proposal put forward by Iran that could lead to a long-term agreement.</p>
<h2>Pakistan&rsquo;s role in mediation</h2>
<p>Trump said the decision followed discussions with Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir, who urged a pause in military action, the ANI reported.</p>
<p>The ceasefire is also linked to Iran ensuring safe and open passage through the Strait of Hormuz.</p>
<h2>Iran responds</h2>
<p>Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Iran would halt its <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/indian-navys-warship-ins-trikand-visits-mombasa-for-joint-engagements-with-kenya-23624718" target="_blank" rel="none noopener"><strong>military operations</strong></a> if attacks against it stopped.</p>
<p>He added that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be allowed for two weeks in coordination with the country&rsquo;s armed forces.</p>
<p>Further negotiations are expected to take place in Islamabad, with the Iranian delegation led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and the US side led by Vice-President JD Vance.</p>
<p>The talks aim to reach a long-term agreement and reduce tensions in the region.</p>
<h2>Israel to continue attacks in Lebanon</h2>
<p>Israel has supported <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/west-asia-war-us-president-calls-truce-a-big-day-for-world-peace-eyes-stability-in-strait-of-hormuz-23624701" target="_blank" rel="none noopener"><strong>US President Donald Trump</strong></a>&rsquo;s decision to suspend military strikes against Iran for two weeks, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&rsquo;s office, reported the PTI.</p>
<p>The pause is conditional on Iran opening the Strait of Hormuz and stopping attacks on the United States, Israel and other countries in the region.</p>
<p>The statement said Israel supports US efforts to ensure that Iran no longer poses a nuclear, missile or terror threat to the region and beyond.</p>
<p>It added that the United States has reaffirmed its commitment to these goals during upcoming negotiations.</p>
<h2>Lebanon not included in ceasefire</h2>
<p>However, <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/middle-east-war-missile-alerts-sound-in-west-asian-countries-despite-iran-and-us-saying-theyve-reached-ceasefire-23624662" target="_blank" rel="none noopener"><strong>Israel</strong></a> made it clear that the ceasefire does not apply to its operations in Lebanon, according to the PTI.</p>
<p>The government said military action against Hezbollah will continue, particularly in southern Lebanon and other strongholds, to prevent attacks on northern Israel.</p>
<p>The two-week ceasefire was proposed by Pakistan and accepted by both sides.</p>
<p>Iran&rsquo;s Supreme National Security Council confirmed it would enter negotiations with the US in Islamabad to resolve ongoing tensions.</p>
<p>(with ANI and PTI inputs)</p>

US Israel attack Iran: The MEA on Wednesday welcomed the recent ceasefire between the United States and Iran, expressing hope it would lead to lasting peace

US Israel attack Iran: India welcomes US-Iran ceasefire, calls for lasting peace in West Asia

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In an official statement, posted on X, MEA emphasised the need to ensure uninterrupted navigation and smooth flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route

India welcomes US-Iran ceasefire, calls for lasting peace

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