New Delhi, May 8 – India launched air strikes against Pakistan early on Wednesday, retaliating for a deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir last month that killed 26 people. Pakistan reported at least eight deaths in the latest escalation between the nuclear-armed rivals and vowed to respond.
The operation marks a significant escalation in tensions between the neighbours, with New Delhi claiming it was a “precision strike” targeting militant infrastructure across the Line of Control (LoC) and international border.
Pakistan condemned the action, reporting civilian casualties, and said its military was responding appropriately. The attack comes amid heightened tensions following the April 22 assault in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 25 Indian and one Nepalese tourist. India blamed Pakistan-backed militants for the incident.
Global Reactions
United States President Donald Trump expressed hope for a swift de-escalation, calling the situation “a shame” and noting the decades-long conflict between the two countries.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was monitoring the situation closely and would engage both Indian and Pakistani leadership toward a peaceful resolution.
The United Nations expressed deep concern over India’s military operations. A spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint, warning that the world cannot afford a military confrontation between the two countries.
Japan condemned the original terrorist attack and voiced strong concern about retaliatory exchanges spiralling into full-scale conflict. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi called on both sides to resolve the situation through dialogue.
China called India’s military strike “regrettable” and urged both sides to remain calm. A spokesperson from the Chinese foreign ministry emphasized the need to avoid further complications in the region.
Israel backed India’s right to self-defence, with Ambassador to India Reuven Azar stating that “terrorists should know there’s no place to hide.”
Russia also expressed concern over the escalation, urging both nations to show restraint and avoid worsening the situation in the region.
France echoed these concerns. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned that confrontation between two major military powers posed significant risks and called for de-escalation.
The United Arab Emirates urged both India and Pakistan to avoid further escalation and seek peaceful solutions, citing the potential threat to regional and international peace.
India and Pakistan have fought three wars since independence in 1947, two of them over Kashmir. Cross-border strikes and skirmishes are not uncommon, but Wednesday’s military action has triggered international alarm due to the scale of civilian casualties and the risk of broader conflict.
