India has welcomed the ceasefire reached between the United States and Iran.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs expressed hope that it will lead to a lasting peace in West Asia and unimpeded freedom of navigation and global flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Ministry stated that India has continuously advocated de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy, which are essential to bring an early end to the ongoing conflict.

It added that the conflict has already caused immense suffering to people and disrupted global energy supply and trade networks.