India announced it had carried out strikes inside Pakistan early Wednesday, following last month’s deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir. Pakistan reported eight fatalities and said it had launched retaliatory strikes.
Here’s how world leaders and governments are reacting to the escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals:
Turkish Foreign Ministry
Turkiye warned that India’s attack risks triggering “all-out war” between the two countries. The foreign ministry condemned the strike as a “provocative move” and criticized attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.
German Foreign Ministry
Germany urged both sides to prevent further escalation and called for the protection of civilians. The government, which is in contact with both nations, has activated a crisis unit to closely monitor what it described as the most serious India-Pakistan military confrontation in 20 years.
Qatar Foreign Ministry
Qatar expressed deep concern over the rising tensions, urging India and Pakistan to show “maximum restraint,” uphold good neighborly relations, and prioritize diplomatic solutions to resolve the crisis.
Chinese Foreign Ministry
China emphasized that both India and Pakistan are its neighbors and urged them to prioritize peace and stability. A spokesperson called on both sides to stay calm and avoid worsening the situation. Beijing also offered to mediate, with spokesman Lin Jian saying China is ready to work with the international community to help ease tensions.
UK Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds
The UK expressed readiness to assist both India and Pakistan in de-escalating the crisis. Reynolds told BBC radio that Britain stands as a “friend and partner” to both countries, adding, “Both have a huge interest in regional stability, dialogue, and de-escalation — and we are here to support that.”
Russian Foreign Ministry
Russia voiced “deep concern” over the military escalation and urged both parties to exercise restraint to prevent further deterioration. The ministry expressed hope the tensions would be resolved peacefully through diplomatic means.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi
Japan firmly condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Kashmir but also expressed strong concern that the current situation might spiral into a full-scale military conflict. Hayashi urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and seek dialogue to stabilize the region.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot
France called on both sides to avoid escalation. While acknowledging India’s right to defend itself against terrorism, Barrot stressed the need to protect civilians and prevent a lasting conflict. He said he plans to speak directly with his Indian and Pakistani counterparts.
United States
Earlier today, President Donald Trump expressed disappointment over the incident, calling it a “shame,” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced hope that both sides would engage toward a peaceful resolution.
United Nations
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both India and Pakistan to show “maximum military restraint” to prevent further escalation.
