New Delhi/Islamabad, May 8, 2025 – Intense diplomatic activity is underway to prevent a further escalation between India and Pakistan following India’s overnight air strikes on targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The strikes mark the most serious flare-up between the nuclear-armed neighbours in years.
India said the military operation, conducted early Wednesday, was in retaliation for a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir two weeks ago that killed 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national. Indian authorities have accused Pakistan-based groups of orchestrating the attack, an allegation Islamabad strongly denies.
According to Indian police, two of the attackers were Pakistani nationals. Delhi claims that the air strikes targeted militant infrastructure used to plan cross-border attacks. Pakistan has rejected these claims, asserting that none of the sites hit contained terror camps.
Pakistan reported that six locations were struck, with 31 civilians killed and dozens more injured. India, meanwhile, accused Pakistan of retaliatory shelling that killed at least 15 civilians on its side of the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan’s military also claimed to have downed five Indian fighter jets and one drone, a statement that India has not confirmed.
Global Leaders Urge Restraint
World leaders have called for calm and urged both countries to avoid further confrontation.
“The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ spokesman, calling for “maximum military restraint from both countries.”
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the situation as a “serious concern” and said the UK was in contact with both sides. “We are urging India and Pakistan to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue. If this escalates further, nobody wins,” Lammy said, adding that the safety of British nationals in the region is a top priority.
US President Donald Trump called the situation “a shame” and expressed hope that tensions would “end very quickly.”
China also expressed concern, labeling India’s military actions as “regrettable.” A spokesperson from Beijing’s foreign ministry urged both nations to “remain calm, exercise restraint, and avoid actions that may worsen the situation.”
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot acknowledged India’s right to defend itself against terrorism but urged both nations to act responsibly. “We call on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and to protect civilians,” Barrot told French media.
Iran Offers Mediation
Iran has stepped forward to offer diplomatic mediation. Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi met earlier this week with Pakistan’s prime minister and army chief and is now in New Delhi for talks with India’s president and external affairs minister.
The Iranian initiative is the first open offer of mediation since the crisis erupted and reflects growing international urgency to defuse the standoff before it spirals further.
Outlook Remains Tense
Despite international appeals, tensions remain high. Indian officials stated their strikes were “precise” and intended only to dismantle militant operations—not to target Pakistani military installations. However, the scope and depth of the strikes have drawn comparisons with the 2019 Balakot operation and raised fears of a broader military conflict.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described his country’s air defense response as “a necessary reply to Indian aggression.”
While diplomatic backchannels remain open, experts warn that a misstep could ignite a wider conflict. The international community is closely monitoring developments, hoping that dialogue and de-escalation will prevail over further military engagement.
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