New Delhi | WTNS | May 07:There has been global consternation in the wake of India launching “Operation Sindoor”, hitting multiple locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir that New Delhi alleges are “terrorist” training sites.

In response, Islamabad claimed it struck Indian army positions and shot down several warplanes, calling India’s attacks “an act of war”.
This is what global leaders are saying about the escalation in hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbours:

China

Beijing called for restraint from both sides.

“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 call on both India and Pakistan to prioritise peace and stability, remain calm and restrained, and avoid taking actions that further complicate the situation.”

France

France has called on India and Pakistan to show restraint as the worst violence in two decades flared between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

“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,” Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said in an interview on TF1 television.

Japan

“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 stabilise the situation through dialogue,” Chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said.

Qatar

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 emphasizes the urgent need to keep communication channels open between India and Pakistan,” the statement added.

Russia

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 published on the Foreign Ministry’s website, Russia, which has warm relations with both nations, said it condemned all forms of terrorism.

Iran

The Iranian Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson expressed grave concern about the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, urging the two countries to exercise self-restraint.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Esmaeil Baqaei reaffirmed Iran’s policy of emphasis on the necessity of respecting the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries and the avoidance of resort to force in the intergovernmental relations.

The spokesperson said the escalation of tensions and the outbreak of skirmish between India and Pakistan, which he described as two major countries with age-old friendly bonds with Iran, is a matter of serious concern.

Baqaei expressed hope that India and Pakistan would practice self-restraint, move towards de-escalation, prevent an aggravation of the situation, and not allow the third parties, specifically the Zionist regime, to abuse the circumstances.

Turkey

Turkey urged India and Pakistan to act with common sense adding that India’s latest military action created the risk of an “all-out war”.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its support for Pakistan’s call for an investigation into the April 22 attacks.

United Arab Emirates

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.

“His Highness reaffirmed that diplomacy and dialogue remain the most effective means of peacefully resolving crises, and achieving the shared aspirations of nations for peace, stability, and prosperity,” the statement said.

United Nations

“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,” a spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement.

“The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan,” it added.

United Kingdom

The UK said it was urging India and Pakistan to show restraint and engage in dialogue.

“Current tensions between India and Pakistan are a serious concern,” British foreign minister David Lammy said in a statement. “The UK government is urging India and Pakistan to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward.”

“The safety of British nationals in the region will always be our priority. The FCDO continues to monitor developments closely and stands ready to support any British nationals 24/7. Any British nationals in the region should follow the FCDO’s travel advice for the country they are in, along with the advice of the local authorities.”

United States

“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,” President Donald Trump said.

Separately, the US administration said it was closely following the military escalation in South Asia.

“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,” Marco Rubio posted on X.

Israel

Israel’s ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said in a statement that Israel supports India’s right to self-defence. Posting on X, Azar said, “Israel supports India’s right for self defense. Terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent.