Amid escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, several nations and international figures have issued statements calling for calm and de-escalation.
India has launched a series of strikes on Wednesday, dubbed “Operation Sindoor”, targeting what it described as “terror infrastructure” in Pakistan in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, including a Nepalese national. More cross-border strikes and military exchanges have followed recently.
“No limit will become an obstacle in protecting India’s sovereignty, fully prepared for responsible responses in the future,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a statement on May 8.
Meanwhile, here’s is a look at the global reactions on the standoff:
United States
US Vice-President J D Vance said the US would not intervene directly, even as it pushed for calm between the nuclear-armed neighbours. “We’re not going to get involved in the middle of a war that’s fundamentally none of our business,” Vance said in a television interview on Friday.
Look, we’re concerned any time nuclear powers collide and have a major conflict.
– J D Vance
President Donald Trump, reacting shortly after India’s strikes earlier, said:
It’s a shame. We just heard about it just as we were walking in the doors of the Oval… I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past — they’ve been fighting for a long time… You know they’ve been fighting for many, many decades and centuries, actually if you really think about it. Now, I just hope it ends very quickly.
– Donald Trump
China
China’s foreign ministry expressed concern over India’s actions and “the current developments.”
China opposes all forms of terrorism. We call on both India and Pakistan to prioritize peace and stability, remain calm and restrained, and avoid taking actions that further complicate the situation.
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Russia
Russia expressed deep concern over the “deepening military confrontation” and urged restraint.
Russia condemns all forms of terrorism and calls for both countries to show restraint.
– Russian Foreign Ministry
France
France condemned the April 22 terror attack and expressed solidarity with India.
We understand India’s desire to protect itself against the scourge of terrorism, but we obviously call on both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint to avoid escalation and, of course, to protect civilians.
– French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot
United Kingdom
British Foreign Minister David Lammy called the tensions “a serious concern” and urged direct dialogue.
The UK government is urging India and Pakistan to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward.
– David Lammy
Japan
Japan condemned the Kashmir terror attack and voiced concern over a potential escalation.
For the peace and stability of South Asia, we strongly urge both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and stabilise the situation through dialogue.
– Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa HayashiStory continues below this ad
Middle East
Israel backed India’s right to self-defence. Referencing Operation Sindoor, Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar posted on X:
Israel supports India’s right for self defense. Terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent.
Qatar said it was following the “continuing escalation between India and Pakistan with great concern” and called for diplomacy.
Iran also called for restraint, with its Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stating the situation was a “serious cause for concern.” He expressed hope that both sides could de-escalate the crisis.
United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed commented on the situation.
Diplomacy and dialogue remain the most effective means of peacefully resolving crises, and achieving the shared aspirations of nations for peace, stability, and prosperity.
– UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin ZayedStory continues below this ad
Turkey warned that India’s actions risked triggering an “all-out war.”
We reiterate our support for Pakistan’s call for an investigation into the April 22 attacks.
– Turkish Foreign Ministry
Malala Yousafzai
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai urged both countries to prioritise peace.
Our mutual adversaries are hatred and violence, not one another… I urge the leaders of Pakistan and India to take steps to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians—especially children—and unite against those who seek to divide us.
United Nations
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for “maximum military restraint from both countries.”
The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.
– Guterres spokesperson