India also has a long-standing policy of refusing to allow foreign mediation when it comes to the status of Muslim-majority Kashmir - a disputed region claimed by both India and Pakistan in its entirety - which has been at the center of the latest conflict with Pakistan and which India regards as a strictly internal matter.

Civilian flights were returning to normal, and stocks jumped in both nations, signs of confidence that the agreement to halt fighting was holding.

Both nations have ceased hostilities since the announcement of the ceasefire on Saturday but say they remain vigilant.