NewDelhi:India on Wednesday welcomed the temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran announced by both sides and expressed hope in unimpeded freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. "We welcome the ceasefire reached and hope that it will lead to a lasting peace in West Asia. As we have continuously advocated earlier, deescalation, dialogue and diplomacy are essential to bring an early end to the ongoing conflict," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.