ISLAMABAD: Several world leaders on Wednesday voiced deep concern and urged restraint following India’s early morning missile strikes inside Pakistan, which drew a swift military response from Islamabad and heightened fears of a broader conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
The Pakistani government confirmed the death of at least eight civilians and injuries to dozens more following the Indian airstrikes across multiple locations, including in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The strikes marked the most significant escalation in recent years, drawing immediate international attention.
In Washington, US President Donald Trump expressed dismay over the development, calling the strikes “a shame” and urging a rapid de-escalation.
“They’ve been fighting for many, many decades and centuries, actually, if you really think about it… I just hope it ends very quickly,” he said during remarks at the White House.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the president’s sentiment, stating on social media that he was “monitoring the situation closely” and would continue to engage both Indian and Pakistani leadership in the interest of peace.
The United Nations also responded swiftly. A spokesperson for Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “very concerned” about India’s military actions across the Line of Control (LoC).
“The Secretary-General calls for maximum military restraint from both countries. The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan,” the statement said.
In Asia, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi condemned the escalation and warned of its potential to spiral.
“We express strong concern that this situation may escalate into a full-scale military conflict,” he said, urging both nations to prioritize diplomacy.
The United Arab Emirates also weighed in, with Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan calling for restraint and reaffirming that “diplomacy and dialogue remain the most effective means of peacefully resolving crises.”
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot acknowledged India’s “right to self-defence” but urged both sides to prevent further harm to civilians and refrain from steps that could worsen the crisis.
Meanwhile, China labelled India’s strikes “regrettable,” and reiterated its commitment to peace and stability in the region.
“Remain calm, exercise restraint and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation,” said a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson.
Russia joined the chorus of concern, calling on both countries to “show restraint” and avoid actions that could lead to uncontrollable consequences.
As diplomatic efforts intensified globally, Islamabad continued to insist it had acted purely in self-defence and only targeted Indian warplanes that violated its airspace. Pakistani officials reiterated their desire for peace but warned that the country’s sovereignty would be protected at all costs.
