After the terrorist attack in India-occupied Kashmir, which took the lives of more than 25 tourists, it was expected that India would retaliate, and they did, as India destroyed terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The tensions between both countries are clearly at a low, and now many world leaders have responded with a mix of concern, calls for restraint, and support for India’s right to self-defence.
The United States and the United Nations urged both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation, emphasising the risks of conflict between two nuclear-armed nations. While Israel openly backed India’s actions as legitimate self-defence against terrorism, countries like China and Russia expressed regret over the situation and stressed the need for calm and dialogue. Japan and the United Arab Emirates also condemned the terror attack but cautioned against further military escalation, urging both sides to resolve their differences through diplomatic means. Overall, the international community underscored the importance of de-escalation and peaceful dialogue in the wake of the strikes.
U.S. President Donald Trump:
"It's a shame. 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. They've been fighting for many, many decades. I hope it ends very quickly."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio:
"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."
Spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres:
"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."
Japan Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi:
"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. For the peace and stability of South Asia, we strongly urge both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and stabilize the situation through dialogue."
China Foreign Ministry Spokesperson:
"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."
Israel's Ambassador to India Reuven Azar:
"Israel supports India's right for self-defense. Terrorists should know there's no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent."
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson:
"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."
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot:
"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."