De-escalation and counter-terrorism efforts are critical, says Australia, welcoming India-Pakistan ceasefire

Australian Foreign Minister Penny said de-escalation and counter-terrorism efforts are critical to regional peace & security.

Penny wrote on X: "I know many Australians are concerned by recent hostilities between India and Pakistan. I’ve spoken with @DrSJaishankar and @MIshaqDar50 to welcome the ceasefire and urge respect for its terms. De-escalation and counter-terrorism efforts are critical to regional peace & security."

Modi visits Adampur

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strategic visit to the Adampur air base days after Operation Sindoor has busted the lies spread by Pakistan that claimed missiles from its JF-17 fighter destroyed the defence system of India.

Modi visited India's second-largest air base which is located near Jalandhar in Punjab just a day after he delivered a powerful message for Pakistan over terrorism.

In a symbolic picture, Modi is seen saluting the soldiers at the air base with an MiG-29 jet and an intact S-400 air defence system in the backdrop.

Historically, Adampur has housed MiG-21 squadrons. It currently operates Su-30MKI aircraft, one of the most advanced fighter jets in the IAF.

It serves as both a fighter and training base and has maintenance and repair facilities.

Operation Sindoor was a fierce military operation launched by the Indian Air Force (IAF) on May 7, in response to the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists who were enjoying their vacation at Baisaran Valley, which is referred to as India's Switzerland.

The operation aimed to dismantle terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Modi's address on Operation Sindoor

In a bold address to the nation, his first one after Operation Sindoor, Modi sent out a loud message against terrorism and "terror-backing state" Pakistan, stating that India will not tolerate any such misadventure or give in to nuclear blackmailing, and instead deliver a befitting reply in its own terms.

He started the address by lauding the Indian armed forces for Operation Sindoor and reiterating how the April 22 Pahalgam attack had pained him personally.

"Following the Pahalgam attack, every citizen as well as every political party united to see strong action against this attack. The government had then given full freedom to our armed forces to respond to the terrorist attack," Modi said.