Global Leaders React to Escalating Tensions between India and Pakistan
A significant escalation in hostilities between India and Pakistan has sparked widespread concern among global leaders, with many nations calling for restraint and diplomatic resolution. The crisis began when India launched "Operation Sindoor", targeting multiple locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir that New Delhi alleges are "terrorist" training sites. According to reports from Al Jazeera, at least 26 people have been killed overnight in Pakistan and 10 in Indian-administered Kashmir.
In response to the attacks, Islamabad claimed it struck Indian army positions and shot down several warplanes, calling India’s actions "an act of war". The situation has prompted a strong reaction from the international community, with many countries urging both nations to exercise caution and engage in dialogue. As Al Jazeera reports, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said, "China expresses regret over India’s military actions this morning and is concerned about the current developments. China opposes all forms of terrorism." The spokesperson added that Beijing calls on both India and Pakistan to prioritise peace and stability, remain calm and restrained, and avoid taking actions that further complicate the situation.
France has also called on India and Pakistan to show restraint, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stating, "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." Similarly, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei described the military escalation as a serious cause for concern, expressing hope that both sides could still de-escalate. Iran has called on both sides to exercise restraint, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Israel’s ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, has expressed support for India’s right to self-defence, stating, "Israel supports India’s right for self defence. Terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent." In a statement posted on X, Azar added, " #OperationSindoor". Japan has also urged both nations to exercise restraint, with Chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stating, "For the peace and stability of South Asia, we strongly urge both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and stabilise the situation through dialogue."
The crisis has also prompted reactions from nations in the Middle East. Qatar has said it "follows with great concern the continuing escalation between India and Pakistan" and called for "resolving the crisis through diplomatic channels". The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the urgent need to keep communication channels open between India and Pakistan, as reported by Al Jazeera. The United Arab Emirates has also called on India and Pakistan to show restraint, reduce tensions and prevent further escalation, according to a government statement.
Global leaders have consistently emphasised the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The United Nations has called for maximum military restraint from both countries, with a spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stating, "The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan." The UK has also urged India and Pakistan to show restraint and engage in dialogue, with British foreign minister David Lammy stating, "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." The US has also weighed in on the crisis, with President Donald Trump stating, "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."
The situation remains tense, with many nations holding their breath as they wait for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. As Al Jazeera reports, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed deep concern about the deepening military confrontation between India and Pakistan, calling for both countries to show restraint. Turkey has also urged India and Pakistan to act with common sense, adding that India’s latest military action created the risk of an "all-out war".
The international community will be watching closely as the situation continues to unfold, hoping that a peaceful resolution can be reached. The reactions of global leaders, as reported by Al Jazeera, demonstrate a unified desire for restraint and diplomacy in the face of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
Information source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/7/how-world-leaders-are-reacting-to-india-pakistan-military-strikes
