New Delhi :India’s airstrikes on multiple targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir have drawn strong international attention, with key global powers reacting swiftly to the development.
The operation, carried out on May 6, targeted nine alleged terror infrastructure sites following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22 that claimed 26 civilian lives.
The Indian government stated that groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Toiba, operating from Pakistani territory, were responsible for the Pahalgam attack. The military action has led to a significant diplomatic ripple across global capitals.
United States
The US administration urged calm. President Donald Trump called the situation “deeply concerning,” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of preventing further escalation and promoting dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
United Nations
UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed for “maximum military restraint” and urged both India and Pakistan to prioritize peace and regional stability.
China
The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed concern over India’s action and called on both sides to de-escalate the situation through diplomatic channels. China reiterated its support for regional peace and expressed regret over the rise in military tensions.
France
France expressed solidarity with India’s right to defend itself and condemned terrorism in all forms. It supported India’s stance on targeting terror bases while simultaneously advocating for restraint to avoid a wider conflict.
European Union
The EU released a statement highlighting its concern over growing tensions and called for both sides to resolve their issues through peaceful means, reaffirming its support for regional peace efforts.
Russia
Moscow called for restraint and urged both New Delhi and Islamabad to engage in dialogue. The Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that military confrontations could destabilize the broader South Asian region.
Pakistan
Pakistan condemned the strikes, reporting civilian casualties, including women and children. Pakistani officials claimed that two Indian jets were downed and that retaliatory actions had been launched, including strikes on Indian military posts and a brigade headquarters.
The authorities in Pakistan’s Punjab province declared an emergency and called for nationwide preparedness. Reports also mentioned damage to civilian structures, including mosques and homes, in the targeted areas.
The situation remains fluid as both countries continue to maintain a heightened military posture along the Line of Control.
S Gopal Puri
