India has welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon which the White House and the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, have confirmed earlier today in separate statements.

“We have always called for de-escalation, restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy,” the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, asserted in a statement. India has also expressed hope that these developments will lead to peace and stability in the wider region.

The ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah of Lebanon that begins today was facilitated by the United States of America and will end the 14 month old war.

Read more: Israel and Hezbollah agree to US proposal for ceasefire