On Wednesday, deadly confrontations between India and Pakistan provoked global outrage and pleas for restraint.
The nuclear-armed neighbors and arch-foes had their worst bloodshed in 20 years.
Here are key reactions: “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,” China’s embassy stated.
“It’s a shame, we just heard about it,” Trump added.
“I just hope it ends very quickly,” he said.
After speaking with India and Pakistan, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio “is encouraging India and Pakistan to re-open a channel between their leadership to defuse the situation and prevent further escalation,” said US National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes.
“Indian military operations across the Line of Control and international border worry the Secretary-General. “He urges both nations to exercise maximum military restraint,” said Antonio Guterres’ spokeswoman.
“The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”
“We do urge both sides to show restraint and take immediate steps towards de-escalation,” said foreign affairs spokesman Anouar El Anouni.
“The EU recalls the need for a negotiated, agreed and lasting, peaceful solution to the conflict.”
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told TF1 television, “We understand India’s desire to protect itself against terrorism, but we obviously call on both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint to avoid escalation and, of course, to protect civilians.”
New Delhi accused Islamabad of supporting an attack on the Indian-run portion of Kashmir two weeks before the battle.
“We are deeply worried by last night’s clashes between these two nuclear powers,” Merkel and Macron said in a joint press conference.
“Now more than ever … reason and clear-headedness are required.”
“Rising tensions between India and Pakistan will be of serious concern for many across Britain,” UK PM Keir Starmer told parliament. His country has many Indian and Pakistani citizens.
“We are engaging urgently with both countries, as well as other international partners, encouraging dialogue, de-escalation and the protection of civilians.”
Russia’s foreign ministry said it was “deeply concerned by the escalation of military confrontation” and urged “on the parties to exercise restraint to prevent further deterioration”.
It wanted conflicts “resolved through peaceful, diplomatic means”.
“After India’s deadly missile strikes last night, the attack risks an all-out war,” claimed the Turkish foreign ministry.
“We condemn this provocative initiative as well as the attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
Afghanistan’s Taliban said further escalation was not “in the interest of the region” after the latest hostilities.
A foreign ministry statement said Kabul “urges both sides to exercise restraint and resolve their issues through dialogue and diplomacy”.
