In the wake of Operation Sindoor, where India launched strikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, world leaders have issued a range of responses, from concern and calls for restraint to explicit support for India’s right to self-defense.
Abdullah bin Zayed urges India, Pakistan to avoid escalation
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has called on the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation that could threaten regional and international peace.
His Highness stressed the importance of heeding the voices calling for dialogue and mutual understanding to prevent military escalation, strengthen stability in South Asia, and avoid further regional tensions. He also 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.
Showing support for India, HH Al Nahyan emphasized that his country’s focus remains on helping both nations achieve peaceful resolutions to regional and international conflicts and mitigating their humanitarian consequences.
Donald Trump’s first reaction to India-Pakistan tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump described the situation as “a shame,” adding, “They’ve been fighting for a long time, I just hope it ends very quickly.” Before that, he asserted, “I guess we knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past.”
U.S. Congressman Shri Thanedar strongly condemned the attack
India-born U.S. Congressman Shri Thanedar has urged the United States to stand firmly with India following the recent missile strikes.
In a statement shared on X, he strongly condemned the attack and expressed unwavering support for India’s right to self-defense. He wrote, “U.S. must support India as it fights terrorism after the barbaric attacks in Pahalgam.”
He also told ANI, “I’m urging that United States supports India at this difficult time. First of all, the United States must recognise India’s right to protect its people and its territory. Secondly, the United States must encourage a thorough and complete investigation about the terrorist attack.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over India’s military operations across the Line of Control. He calls for maximum military restraint from both countries,” said his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, in a statement. He added, “The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”
China urges peace after strikes
China has voiced concern over the escalation between its nuclear-armed neighbors, India and Pakistan, and has urged both countries to exercise restraint.
A longstanding ally of Pakistan and sharing borders with both nations, Beijing said it “regrets India’s military action this morning” and is “concerned about the current developments.”
“India and Pakistan are neighbors that cannot be moved apart, and they are also China’s neighbors. China opposes all forms of terrorism,” stated a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry.
The spokesperson further urged, “We call on both India and Pakistan to prioritize peace and stability, remain calm and restrained, and avoid taking actions that further complicate the situation.”
Israel’s envoy backs India
Israel has extended firm support to India following the launch of Operation Sindoor in the early hours of Wednesday, May 7. Shortly after the strikes, Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, emphasized that India acted in self-defense and stressed that those responsible for such violence must be held accountable.
“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,” Azar wrote on X.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hopes this ends quickly
The U.S. administration stated that it is closely monitoring the rising military tensions in South Asia. 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.”
France urges restraint amid strikes
Meanwhile, France urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint amid the most severe escalation of violence between the two nuclear-armed nations in two decades. In an interview with TF1 television, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot acknowledged India’s right to defend itself but emphasized the need to avoid further conflict.
“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,” Barrot said.
He added, “I don’t think anyone has an interest in a lasting confrontation between India and Pakistan,” and mentioned plans to speak with his Indian and Pakistani counterparts.
Japan urges restraint, dialogue between two nations
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, condemned the terrorist attack in Kashmir on April 22, stating, “In regard to the terrorist act that occurred in Kashmir on April 22, our country firmly condemns such acts of terrorism.” He expressed deep concern that the situation could lead to further retaliatory actions and escalate into a full-scale military conflict, reported Reuters.
“For the peace and stability of South Asia, we strongly urge both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and stabilize the situation through dialogue,” Hayashi emphasized.
Russia calls for restraint amid escalating tensions
Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over the escalating military conflict and urged both nations to exercise restraint. In a statement on its website, Russia, which maintains friendly ties with both countries, reiterated its condemnation of all forms of terrorism.
