India welcomes US-Iran ceasefire, flags need for Hormuz trade flow

India on Wednesday welcomed the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that the pause in hostilities would pave the way for lasting peace in West Asia.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “We welcome the ceasefire reached and hope that it will lead to a lasting peace in West Asia.”

Reiterating its consistent position, the MEA added, “As we have continuously advocated earlier, deescalation, dialogue and diplomacy are essential to bring an early end to the ongoing conflict.”

The ministry also underscored the need to ensure uninterrupted global trade through the Strait of Hormuz.

"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 said.

The statement came after US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran, following mediation efforts involving Pakistan.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the pause was contingent on Iran agreeing to the “complete, immediate, and safe opening” of the Strait of Hormuz.

He said the United States would assist in managing maritime traffic through the waterway.

“The United States of America will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz… There will be lots of positive action! Big money will be made. Iran can start the reconstruction process,” Trump wrote.

Trump also said that Washington had received a 10-point proposal from Tehran that he termed a “workable basis” for negotiations, adding that “almost all” key issues had been addressed.

Iran indicated it would comply with the ceasefire under certain conditions.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would halt its military operations if attacks against the country stopped.

“If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations,” he wrote on X.

Araghchi said safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be possible for two weeks under coordination with its armed forces “and with due consideration of technical limitations”.

According to details of the proposal, Tehran is seeking US guarantees of non-aggression, recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz and acceptance of its uranium enrichment programme.