Wed May 07 16:41:57 UTC 2025: ## International Community Urges De-escalation After India’s Cross-Border Strikes

**New Delhi, May 8, 2025** – India’s retaliatory airstrikes against Pakistan, codenamed “Operation Sindoor,” in response to the April 22nd Pahalgam terror attack have triggered a flurry of international calls for de-escalation. Multiple global powers have contacted both India and Pakistan urging dialogue and restraint to prevent further escalation.

Following India’s early morning strikes on Wednesday, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani expressed “deep concern,” speaking with both External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Spain also engaged in similar diplomatic efforts, with Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares contacting his counterparts in both countries.

Iran, whose Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi recently visited Pakistan and advocated for dialogue, is scheduled to meet with Mr. Jaishankar on Thursday. Conversely, Israel voiced its support for India’s action, with Ambassador Reuven Azar stating that Israel backs India’s right to self-defense.

Other nations, including Japan, France, Germany, and Bangladesh, have also weighed in. Japan, having recently expressed support for India’s fight against terrorism, urged restraint and de-escalation. France and Germany expressed solidarity with India, while Bangladesh urged both sides to avoid further escalation through diplomatic means. The Taliban administration in Afghanistan also called for restraint and dialogue.

While former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak deemed Operation Sindoor “justified,” the prevailing international sentiment emphasizes the urgent need for peaceful resolution through dialogue, amidst concerns that the situation could spiral into a full-scale military conflict. The international community’s concerted efforts underscore the gravity of the situation and the widespread desire to avert further violence in the region.

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