Nations call for restraint as India launches ‘Operation Sindoor’, attacking several sites in Pakistan, which in response claims to down Indian jets.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he wants India and Pakistan to “stop” what he described as “tit for tat” actions, saying if he can do anything to “help”, he will be there.
“The U.K. government is urging India and Pakistan to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward,” said U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, calling the tensions “a serious concern”.
“China expresses regret over India’s military actions this morning and is concerned about the current developments. China opposes all forms of terrorism,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said in a statement.
“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,” France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei described the military escalation as a serious cause for concern, according to a statement issued by the ministry in Tehran. He expressed the hope that both sides could still de-escalate. Iran also called on both sides to exercise restraint.
Israel’s ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said in a statement that Israel supports India’s right for self-defense. Terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent.”
“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 Hayashi said.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes the urgent need to keep communication channels open between India and Pakistan..
Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was deeply concerned about the deepening military confrontation between India and Pakistan and called for both countries to show restraint.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its support for Pakistan’s call for an investigation into the April 22 attacks.
UAE Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan called on India and Pakistan to show restraint, reduce tensions and prevent further escalation, according to a government statement.