Following last month’s deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir, India carried out military strikes in Pakistan during the early hours of Wednesday.
According to Indian officials, the strikes were aimed at what they described as terrorist infrastructure and were presented as a response to the April incident.
Pakistan, in turn, reported the loss of eight civilian lives and has vowed retaliation. With tensions sharply escalating between the nuclear-armed neighbours, reactions from world leaders have started pouring in, urging calm and diplomatic dialogue.
U.S. President Donald Trump
Reacting to the developments, U.S. President Donald Trump said:
“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.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also weighed in:
“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.”
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.
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) May 6, 2025
United Nations Secretary-General’s Office
A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern over the military escalation:
“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. The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”
Japan’s Response
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, speaking on behalf of the Japanese government, condemned the initial terror incident and urged caution:
“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 stabilize the situation through dialogue.”
China’s Position
China, a regional power with strong ties to both nations, called the recent escalation “regrettable”:
“China finds India’s military operation early this morning regrettable. We are concerned about the ongoing situation. We urge both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, remain calm, exercise restraint and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation.”
Israel’s Support for India
Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, expressed his country’s solidarity with India’s security concerns:
“Israel supports India’s right for self defense. Terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent.”
Israel supports India’s right for self defense. Terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent. #OperationSindoor
— 🇮🇱 Reuven Azar (@ReuvenAzar) May 7, 2025
Conclusion
As diplomatic channels remain active and the global community urges restraint, all eyes are now on how both India and Pakistan will manage this dangerous escalation. The world watches closely, hoping for peace amid rising fears of a broader conflict.
