New Delhi: Following India’s agreement to a “full and immediate” ceasefire with Pakistan on May 10, Wang Yi, the Foreign Minister of China said that his country would continue to stand by Pakistan in upholding its “sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national independence”. He said that during a conversation with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar over the phone.
After Dar briefed Wang Yi on the evolving situation between India and Pakistan, Yi acknowledged the “restraint and appreciated its responsible approach under challenging circumstances” of the latter. According to a statement by the Foreign Office, Yi reaffirmed that “China, as Pakistan’s All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partner and iron-clad friend, will continue to stand firmly by Pakistan in upholding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national independence.”
Dar also spoke with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the UAE, and the latter welcomed the ceasefire agreement. He also spoke with Türkiye Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan and briefed him about the situation. Notably, Pakistan has violated the truce and resorted to shelling. It targeted several areas of Jammu and Kashmir, including the RS Pura, Arnia, and Samba sectors, which sent the locals into a state of panic.
Reportedly, a loud explosion was heard in Srinagar. Pakistan has used drones to attack several places in India, including Pathankot. However, the Indian Armed Forces once again thwarted Pakistan’s plans and destroyed those drones mid-air. There is a reported blackout in Srinagar, which has also been reported from Rajasthan’s Barmer and Jaisalmer, and Ferozepur in Punjab. The Indian Armed Forces have neutralised as many as 12 drones in Gujarat.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, while reacting to the development, said that the intrusion by Pakistan is extremely condemnable and that the neighbouring country must stop such actions at the earliest. He said, “The Armed Forces are maintaining a strong vigil on the situation. They have been instructed to deal strongly with any instances of violations near border areas along the international border as well as the line of control.” He further said, “An understanding was reached on Saturday evening between the DGMOs of India and Pakistan to stop the military action which was taking place for the last few days. For the last few hours, this understanding has been violated by Pakistan.”
