There has been global consternation in the wake of India launching “Operation Sindoor”, hitting multiple locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered 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”.
At least 26 people have been killed overnight in Pakistan and 10 in Indian-administered Kashmir, officials said.
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.
Iran
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei described the military escalation as a serious cause for concern, according to a statement issued by the ministry in Tehran. He expressed the hope that both sides could still de-escalate. Iran also called on both sides to exercise restraint.
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. #OperationSindoor.”
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
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.
Statement | Qatar follows with deep concern the continuing escalation between India and Pakistan and calls for resolving the crisis through diplomatic means#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/DmRAmjOf1v
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) May 7, 2025
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.
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.”
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.
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
