New Delhi, April 9 -- India on Thursday welcomed the ceasefire reached between the United States and Iran, asserting that dialogue and diplomacy remain essential for de-escalation in West Asia.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said New Delhi hoped the agreement would lead to lasting peace in the region, as well as uninterrupted freedom of navigation and global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.

"India has consistently advocated de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy," the MEA said, adding that these are critical to bringing an early end to the ongoing conflict.

The Ministry stated that the hostilities have already caused immense suffering to people and severely dis...