Global Concern Grows as India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate After Cross-Border Strikes
ISLAMABAD / NEW DELHI / WASHINGTON / BEIJING / NEW YORK:Rising tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan have triggered alarm across the international community following India’s cross-border missile strikes and Pakistan’s strong military retaliation.
The Indian military reportedly launched missiles at six different locations across Pakistan-administered regions, including Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Bahawalpur, late Tuesday night. Civilian infrastructure, including mosques and schools, was damaged, resulting in the deaths of at least 26 Pakistani civilians and injuries to over 46 people, according to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Pakistan responded swiftly, downing five Indian aircraft—three Rafale jets, one MiG-29, and one Sukhoi Su-30—as well as destroying a brigade headquarters across the Line of Control. The military action drew swift global reactions:
#### **United States: “Keep Channels Open”**
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held direct talks with national security advisors of both countries, urging restraint and open lines of communication.
> “We are closely monitoring the situation and urge both sides to pursue a peaceful resolution,” the U.S. State Department stated via X (formerly Twitter).
#### **China: “Deep Concern Over Indian Strikes”**
China condemned India’s actions as “regrettable” and emphasized the need for dialogue.
> “We advised both countries to act responsibly and avoid further escalation,” said a spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
#### **UAE: “Diplomacy is the Only Way Forward”**
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan urged both sides to avoid steps that could endanger regional peace.
> “Only diplomacy and dialogue can resolve such crises,” he said.
#### **UN Secretary-General Condemns Attack**
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the Indian missile strikes “alarming” and “dangerous for regional peace,” urging both nations to immediately return to dialogue.
#### **Turkey Expresses Solidarity with Pakistan**
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan contacted Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and strongly condemned India’s “unprovoked aggression.”
> “Turkey stands firmly with Pakistan in this critical hour,” Turkey’s ambassador said in a separate statement.
#### **Pakistan Notifies UN: Right to Self-Defense Reserved**
Pakistan’s UN envoy submitted a formal notification to UN authorities, declaring India’s attacks a violation of international law and reserving the right to respond at a time and place of Pakistan’s choosing, under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
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### **Economic Fallout: Markets Rattle in Both Nations**
* Indian stock markets and the rupee showed signs of stress amid the escalating crisis.
* Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) saw a dramatic drop of 6,500 points at market open before recovering partially.
* Several northern Indian airports suspended operations; Pakistan also temporarily closed parts of its airspace.
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As global powers call for calm, both Islamabad and New Delhi remain on high alert. The international community continues to push for diplomacy over warfare in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
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