Global powers call for calm amid escalating India-Pakistan confrontation
Islamabad: Amid a dangerous escalation between South Asia’s nuclear rivals, India and Pakistan, international leaders are urgently calling for restraint and diplomatic engagement after Indian air strikes reportedly targeted areas across the Line of Control and the international border.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the situation has stirred alarm in world capitals. U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, lamented the renewed hostility. “It’s unfortunate. I just heard about it. Apparently, there were signs this might happen, considering the history. They’ve been in conflict for decades. I hope this ends swiftly,” Trump remarked.
Echoing the President’s concern, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on social media, “We are closely following developments in the region. As President Trump said, this must de-escalate quickly. I remain in contact with leaders from both sides to support peaceful efforts.”
At the United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres’s spokesperson expressed deep concern over India’s military activities. “The Secretary-General is following the situation with grave concern. He urges both parties to exercise the utmost restraint. A confrontation between India and Pakistan is something the world simply cannot afford,” the spokesperson said from New York.
Tensions have soared since Indian jets launched long-range strikes on what it claims were militant facilities in Muridke, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad—locations within Pakistan’s territory and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan’s Foreign Office has condemned the action as a breach of its sovereignty and international law, citing civilian deaths and damage to non-military targets. The Foreign Office further stated that Pakistan reserves the right to respond under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Japan also issued a firm statement through its Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, expressing serious concern over the latest developments. “We unequivocally condemn the terrorist incident that occurred in Kashmir. However, we are also deeply troubled by the potential for these events to trigger further retaliation and spiral into a full-scale conflict. We urge both India and Pakistan to step back from the brink and prioritize dialogue for the sake of regional peace,” Hayashi said.
With civilian lives already affected and commercial aviation routes under threat, global analysts are warning that unchecked military exchanges could bring the two nations dangerously close to war—one that would have catastrophic implications due to their nuclear capabilities.
Diplomatic observers argue that now is the time for the international community—especially influential actors like the U.S., China, and Russia—to use their leverage to cool tensions and bring both sides to the negotiating table.
Pakistan claims to have retaliated by shooting down Indian aircraft and targeting key military assets, while India remains on high alert, continuing its military mobilization along the borders.
The international community watches with bated breath, hoping for diplomacy to prevail before the crisis crosses the point of no return.
