Following a deadly terrorist attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir last month, India launched early-morning airstrikes on Pakistani territory on Wednesday. Pakistan confirmed at least eight casualties in the incident and vowed to respond. The incident has reignited fears of full-scale conflict between two nuclear-armed rivals.
As tensions escalate in South Asia, world leaders react to Indian strikes in Pakistan with statements ranging from support to caution, underscoring both global concern and geopolitical sensitivities.
Here is How World Leaders React to Indian Strikes in Pakistan:
United States: Monitoring Closely, Hopes for Peace
U.S. President Donald Trump called the escalation “a shame,” adding,
“Just heard about it. 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. I hope it ends very quickly.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a more diplomatic note:
“I am monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan closely. I echo @POTUS’s comments earlier today that this hopefully ends quickly and will continue to engage both Indian and Pakistani leadership towards a peaceful resolution.”
The U.S. continues to emphasize the need for dialogue while keeping communication open with both sides.
United Nations: Calls for Maximum Restraint
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern over the strikes. His spokesperson said:
“The Secretary-General is very concerned about the Indian military operations across the Line of Control and international border. He calls for maximum military restraint from both countries. The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”
The UN is urging a return to diplomacy amid rising regional instability.
China: Calls Indian Strike ‘Regrettable’
China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the action, saying:
“China finds India’s military operation early this morning regrettable. We are concerned about the ongoing situation. We urge both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, remain calm, exercise restraint and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation.”
Beijing, traditionally close to Islamabad, emphasized that any military escalation would be detrimental to regional development.
Russia: Urges Both Sides to De-Escalate
Moscow voiced concern about the unfolding events, especially in the wake of the Kashmir attack. The Russian FM’s spokesperson said:
“We are deeply concerned about the escalation of military confrontation between India and Pakistan following the terrorist attack near Pahalgam. We call on the parties involved to exercise restraint in order to prevent further deterioration of the situation in the region.”
Russia stopped short of assigning blame, instead prioritizing regional peace.
France: Warns Against Prolonged Confrontation
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot made a direct appeal:
“We call on India as well as on Pakistan to show restraint in order to avoid escalation. Nobody has anything to gain from prolonged confrontation between India and Pakistan. These are two major military powers, that is why we call for restraint.”
France joined other nations in expressing concern over the nuclear implications of further escalation.
United Kingdom: Concerned, Encourages Dialogue
British Foreign Minister David Lammy stated:
“Current tensions between India and Pakistan are a serious concern. The UK government is urging India and Pakistan to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward.”
London emphasized the importance of civilian safety and regional stability.
Japan: Condemns Terrorism, Warns of Escalation
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi addressed both the original attack and India’s response:
“In regard to the terrorist act that occurred in Kashmir on April 22, our country firmly condemns such acts of terrorism. Furthermore, we express strong concern that this situation may lead to further retaliatory exchanges and escalate into a full-scale military conflict.”
Tokyo is pressing for stability in South Asia, which is crucial to its broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
UAE: Urges Both Sides to Pull Back
The UAE, which has strong ties with both nations, issued a balanced statement:
“Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed has called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation that could threaten regional and international peace.”
The Gulf state has positioned itself as a potential mediator.
Israel: Supports India’s Right to Defend Itself
Israel offered unequivocal support for India. Ambassador Reuven Azar stated:
“Israel supports India’s right for self-defense. Terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent.”
Israel supports India’s right for self defense. Terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent. #OperationSindoor
Israel’s position aligns with its broader counterterrorism stance and strategic ties with India.
Egypt: Concerned, Pushes for Diplomatic Channels
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was “following with great concern” and urged dialogue:
“Egypt calls on both sides to exercise the highest levels of restraint and uphold dialogue through diplomatic channels. The ministry stressed the need to exert efforts to defuse the crisis and avoid further escalation.”
World leaders react to Indian strikes in Pakistan with a mix of support, criticism, and concern. As the region braces for possible retaliation, the international community is urgently calling for de-escalation to prevent the crisis from erupting into full-scale war.
Zainab is a seasoned writer with over 6 years of experience, specializing in news and blog writing across multiple niches. Passionate about cricket, she has delivered over 7,000 copies on various categories to local and international clients.
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