Global powers appeal for calm amidst altercation between India and Pakistan
In a tense turn of events, the fiercest clash between nuclear-armed neighbors and long-time adversaries, India and Pakistan, has erupted in two decades. Here's a rundown of the key reactions:
"Prioritize Peace": China
Jumping into the fray, China's foreign ministry stated, "We urge both India and Pakistan to prioritize peace and stability, stay calm, and avoid actions that make things worse."
"End it Quickly": Trump
US President Donald Trump expressed his sentiments as follows: "It's depressing news, we just heard about it. I just hope it ends quickly."
"Defuse the Situation": US
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio encouraged India and Pakistan to re-open diplomatic channels to help de-escalate the situation and prevent further fallout.
"Maximum Military Restraint": UN
The UN Secretary-General expressed concern over Indian military operations across the Line of Control and international border. He called for maximum military restraint from both countries, as he stated, "The world cannot withstand a military confrontation between India and Pakistan."
"Show Restraint": EU
The EU urged both sides to exercise caution, de-escalate the situation immediately, and pursue a negotiated, peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict.
"Exercise Restraint": France
France, while understanding India's desire to eradicate terrorism, urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and protect civilians.
The conflict arises two weeks after India accused Pakistan of aiding an attack on the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir.
"Deeply Worried": Germany's Merz
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed deep concern about the recent clashes between these two nuclear powers. "Now more than ever, reason and clear-mindedness are crucial."
"Serious Concern": UK's Starmer
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed grave concern over rising tensions between India and Pakistan. His country, home to many people of both Indian and Pakistani descent, is actively engaging with both countries and other international partners to encourage dialogue and de-escalation, with a focus on protecting civilians.
"Prevent Further Deterioration": Russia
Russia expressed deep concern over the escalating military confrontation and called on both parties to exercise restraint to prevent further deterioration and hope for the resolution of tensions through peaceful, diplomatic means.
"Risk of All-out War": Turkey
Turkey feared that the Indian attack could lead to all-out war. The statement also condemned the attack targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.
"Dialogue and Diplomacy": Afghanistan
The Taliban government in Afghanistan expressed disapproval of further escalation and urged both sides to resolve their issues through dialogue and diplomacy.
International observers and diplomats have generally urged both countries to exercise caution, with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) holding emergency closed consultations to address the escalating tensions. Pakistan has termed the Indian strikes as an "act of war," with the international community showing concern about the potential for escalation given the nuclear capabilities of both nations and their long-standing tensions.
- In response to the escalating conflict, Emmanuel Macron, President of France, expressed hope for both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and protect civilians, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy in resolving the situation.
- Germany's Merz, the German Chancellor, voiced deep concern about the clashes between India and Pakistan, two nuclear powers, and invited reason and clear-mindedness to prevent a potential all-out war.
- Meanwhile, the UK's Starmer expressed grave concern over rising tensions and emphasized the need for dialogue and de-escalation, with a focus on protecting civilians, as the UK actively engages with both countries and other international partners.
- The EU likewise urged both sides to exercise caution, de-escalate the situation immediately, and pursue a peaceful, negotiated solution to the ongoing conflict.
- In light of the tense situation, Turkey has voiced its concern over the potential for an all-out war, condemning the attack that targets civilians and civilian infrastructure.
- Russia is deeply concerned about the escalating military confrontation and has called on both parties to exercise restraint to prevent further deterioration and hopes for the resolution of tensions through peaceful, diplomatic means.
- India's ongoing conflict with Pakistan has caught the attention of international observers and diplomats, who have generally urged both countries to exercise caution, with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) holding emergency closed consultations in an attempt to address the increasingly volatile situation.
