THE international community has expressed mounting concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, following Indian military operations across the Line of Control and the international border, and the closure of Srinagar’s civilian airport in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
In the latest development, Pakistan reported eight deaths and said it was responding to the Indian strikes.
Reuters cited that world leaders have weighed in on the latest hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
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 echoed the President’s remarks in a post on X, stating: "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."
A spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres added to the chorus of concern, saying: "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."
The calls for de-escalation come amid reports that Indian security forces used precision strike systems, including drones, in operations targeting militant group facilities in Pakistan, and that three civilians were killed in Pakistani shelling on Indian territory.
The Indian Air Force has since suspended civilian flights from Srinagar airport, heightening fears of a broader military escalation. - May 7, 2025
