Australia Welcomes India-Pakistan Ceasefire, Urges De-escalation and United Counter-Terrorism Efforts

May 12, 2025: Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has welcomed the renewed understanding between India and Pakistan, calling for urgent de-escalation and strengthened counter-terrorism cooperation to uphold peace and stability in South Asia.

In a statement posted on X on Monday, Wong said she had held conversations with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Finance Minister Ishaq Dar to express support for the ceasefire agreement and to stress the importance of respecting its terms.

“I know many Australians are concerned by recent hostilities between India and Pakistan. I’ve spoken with @DrSJaishankar and @MIshaqDar50 to welcome the ceasefire and urge respect for its terms. De-escalation and counter-terrorism efforts are critical to regional peace & security,” Wong posted.

The diplomatic outreach comes in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor—a large-scale joint military operation launched by India on May 7, 2025, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes were in direct response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. India identified and struck nine sites, including militant training camps and logistical hubs operated by Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Pakistan attempted to counter the narrative with unsubstantiated claims of having shot down Indian fighter jets and conducting retaliatory attacks, all of which were later debunked.

Earlier in the day, Minister Jaishankar shared his congratulations to Penny Wong on her reappointment as Australia’s Foreign Minister, following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s successful re-election campaign. During their call, the ministers discussed the escalating tensions in the subcontinent and reinforced the shared commitment to combating terrorism.

“Good to talk to @SenatorWong of Australia. Extended warm congratulations on her reappointment. Discussed recent developments and the importance of zero tolerance against terrorism. Look forward to further strengthening the multifaceted India-Australia Dosti,” Jaishankar posted.

Wong’s return to the Foreign Affairs portfolio is part of Albanese’s second-term cabinet, unveiled this week after his historic back-to-back election win—the first Australian leader to do so since John Howard, according to Al Jazeera. The reshuffle includes the promotion of West Australian Muslim MP Anne Aly to cabinet, while notable figures such as Ed Husic and former Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus were dropped due to internal party negotiations, as reported by ABC News.

Senior ministers including Defence Minister Richard Marles, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, and Education Minister Jason Clare have retained their key positions.

Australia’s proactive diplomatic stance highlights the growing importance of its Indo-Pacific relationships, especially as tensions rise in the subcontinent. Canberra’s message underscores the broader international consensus for peace, dialogue, and a united stand against terrorism.