Tensions between India and Pakistan have surged again, following India’s launch of a major military offensive dubbed Operation Sindoor. 

The operation targeted alleged militant training camps within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, according to Indian officials.

Pakistan responded with force, claiming it targeted Indian military installations and shot down multiple aircraft. Islamabad has described the Indian strikes as “an act of war.” 

Official figures indicate that at least 26 people were killed in Pakistan overnight, while 10 fatalities were reported in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Here’s how world leaders are reacting to the escalating conflict between the nuclear-armed rivals:

President Donald Trump – United States

Reacting to the unfolding crisis, President Trump remarked: “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.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Secretary Rubio stated that the United States is carefully observing developments in South Asia. In a post on X, he said: “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.”

UN Secretary-General’s Spokesperson

The United Nations expressed deep concern over India’s military actions across the Line of Control and international boundary. “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 statement read. “The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”

Jean-Noel Barrot – Foreign Minister, France

France urged both nations to avoid further escalation amid the most intense fighting in two decades. Speaking on TF1, Barrot said: “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.”

Yoshimasa Hayashi – Chief Cabinet Secretary, Japan

Japan strongly condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Kashmir and voiced alarm over the current military exchanges. “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 stabilize the situation through dialogue,” Hayashi stated.

Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan – Foreign Minister, UAE

The UAE urged both sides to de-escalate tensions and refrain from further military action. A government statement quoted Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan as saying: “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.”

Reuven Azar – Israeli Ambassador to India

Israel expressed its backing for India’s right to self-defence. Ambassador Reuven Azar posted on X: “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.”

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