The UN chief’s statement, released on Saturday, came shortly after news broke of a decision by the two countries to de-escalate a situation that has caused widespread alarm in recent days.

Tensions had been steadily raising, after a group of gunmen fired on tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April, killing at least 26 and injuring scores more. India and Pakistan both administer parts of the Himalayan region but claim the territory in its entirety, and it has been a scene of unrest for decades.

In the past week, fears grew of an outright military confrontation, and the UN expressed deep concern over deteriorating relations between the two South Asian neighbours, with Mr. Guterres telling journalists that tensions were higher than they had been in years, and reiterating calls for maximum restraint.

There were reports of jubilation in both India and Pakistan at news of the ceasefire, which is believed to be the result of talks mediated by the US, and was announced by representatives of all three countries on social media platforms. However, there have since been reports of skirmishes, including drone attacks.

The Secretary-General welcomed the ceasefire agreement as a positive step toward ending current hostilities and easing tensions, and said that he hopes the agreement will “contribute to lasting peace and foster an environment conducive to addressing broader, longstanding issues between the two countries.”