India and Pakistan engaged in the most intense fighting in decades with four days of escalating conflict that included fighter jets, missiles and drones packed with explosives. It ended almost as abruptly as it began.

In one of its shortest statements, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Pakistan had reached out to India and that the two countries directly negotiated a ceasefire agreement. A defunct Soviet spacecraft fell to Earth after 50 years in orbit.

"The Foreign Ministry welcomes the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India, optimistic that it will restore security and peace in the region. The Kingdom commends both part