India on Wednesday welcomed the ceasefire reached between the United States and Iran and hoped it will lead to a lasting peace in West Asia.
‘’As we have continuously advocated earlier, deescalation, dialogue and diplomacy are essential to bring an early end to the ongoing conflict,’’ the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
New Delhi observed that the conflict has already caused immense suffering to people and disrupted global energy supply and trade networks.
‘’We expect that unimpeded freedom of navigation and global flow of commerce would prevail through the Strait of Hormuz,’’ it added, highlighting the importance of keeping open the strategic maritime routes.
The statement came hours after the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire to halt 40 days of hostilities in the region and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.