Russia on Wednesday called on India and Pakistan to show "self-restraint" after an exchange of fire that killed at least 38 people on both sides, in the most serious military confrontation between the two neighboring countries in two decades.
The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed “deep concern about the escalation of the military confrontation” and called on “the sides to show restraint to avoid further aggravation” of the situation, noting that it hopes that tensions will be able to be calmed “through peaceful and diplomatic means.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also noted in a statement published on its website that it condemns all forms of terrorism.
China's reaction
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China, for its part, expressed regret over the Indian attacks on Pakistan and concern over the new escalation of tensions between its two neighboring countries, which it called for restraint.
"China regrets India's military action, which was taken early this morning, and expresses concern about the current developments," a Foreign Ministry spokesman noted.
"We call on India and Pakistan to prioritize peace and stability and to maintain their composure, show restraint and avoid taking steps that would further complicate the situation," he stressed.
"China opposes all forms of terrorism," the Foreign Ministry spokesman noted in his statement.
Beijing is ready to play a "constructive role" in easing tensions between Pakistan and India, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian added at a press conference.
“We are ready to cooperate with the international community and continue to play a constructive role in easing the current tensions,” Lin Jian noted, adding that Beijing is closely monitoring developments regarding tensions between its two neighboring countries and recommends that Chinese citizens avoid areas near the conflict zone.
France calls for restraint
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In the same vein, France called on both countries to show “restraint.” “We understand India’s desire to protect itself against the scourge of terrorism, but we obviously call on India, as well as Pakistan, to show restraint to avoid escalation and obviously to protect citizens,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told the TF1 network.
He did not confirm the announcement by the Pakistani armed forces that they shot down 5 Indian aircraft in Indian airspace, including three French ones.
However, Barrow expressed “great concern about the situation.” “These are two major military powers. That is why we call for restraint,” he insisted, underlining: “I believe that a permanent confrontation between India and Pakistan is not in anyone’s interest.”
Britain ready to intervene
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At the same time, Britain declared itself "ready" to intervene to "de-escalate" the tension between the two countries.
"Our message would be that we are friends, partners of both countries. We stand ready to support (them)," British Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds told the BBC.
“Regional stability” is in the interest of India and Pakistan, he added. “Whatever we can do for dialogue, for de-escalation, we are ready and able to do,” Reynolds continued.
The British Foreign Office published a directive on its website advising British citizens to avoid “all but essential travel” within 8 kilometers of the border between Pakistan and India.
“We continue to monitor the situation closely. British citizens should be aware of our travel advice and follow the advice of local authorities,” the Foreign Office added.
Malaysian reaction
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Malaysia has said that tensions between India and Pakistan could potentially disrupt rice imports from both neighboring countries, prompting it to seek other supplies.
Nearly 40% of Malaysia's rice imports come from India and Pakistan, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Saboo, noting that "their political and economic stability is important for Malaysia's food security."
“If a war or tensions occur and affect port operations or delivery infrastructure, rice imports into our country could be disrupted,” he told the Malaysian newspaper New Straits Times, noting that, “if the situation in that region worsens, it will definitely have a direct impact on us, especially in terms of prices and continuity of supply.”
The Indian chargé d'affaires was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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Pakistan announced today that the Indian charge d'affaires in Islamabad was summoned to the Foreign Ministry to lodge a protest over India's shelling, which according to Pakistani authorities "constitute a blatant violation of Pakistan's sovereignty", while the Pakistani army announced that it had counted "26 civilian deaths" since midnight.
Pakistan's National Security Council, which brings together the country's highest-ranking political and military officials in times of emergency, also convened today. Prime Minister Behbaz Sharif will address the nation after the meeting.
Source: KYPE
