Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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6. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the situation in India/Pakistan. [26267/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I have been following with concern the tensions between India and Pakistan which resulted in military exchanges between the two countries in recent weeks.

I welcome the complete and immediate ceasefire that was announced on 10th May and which has now been extended indefinitely. It is positive that communication channels have reopened between both countries and I very much hope that continued dialogue between the two nations will result in further de-escalation.

I reiterate my condemnation of the appalling terrorist attack that took place on Tuesday 22 April in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and the murder of innocent civilians. I also regret the civilian lives that have been lost as a result of the recent military actions.

Continued restraint and de-escalation remain the vital priorities at this point as well as encouraging clear lines of communication between the two states to put an end to current tensions.

Our Embassies in New Delhi and Islamabad have been continuously monitoring the situation on the ground and providing advice and guidance to Irish citizens in the region. Thankfully, there have been no reports of any Irish casualties.

Travel Advice for both India and Pakistan is being constantly updated in line with the latest developments. At this time, we continue to recommend that any Irish citizens in Pakistan and India avoid travelling to Kashmir or the border regions, to exercise caution in public places, stay alert, monitor local news reports and to follow the advice of local authorities.

Officials in my Department, both at our Embassies in the region and in Dublin, will continue to monitor the evolving situation, alongside our EU and likeminded international partners in New Delhi and Islamabad.