Russia
MOSCOW: Russia on Wednesday voiced grave concern over the escalating conflict between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan, following India’s military strikes on Pakistani territory in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
In an official statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized the urgency of de-escalation and underscored the broader threat posed by terrorism. “We are deeply concerned over the escalation of military confrontation between India and Pakistan following the terrorist attack near Pahalgam,” the statement read.
Moscow reiterated its longstanding stance against terrorism in all its forms, calling for a unified and collective response by the international community. “Russia strongly condemns acts of terrorism and opposes all forms of its manifestations. There is a need for concerted efforts by the entire international community to effectively combat this evil,” the statement added.
Urging both sides to show restraint, Russia emphasized the importance of peaceful resolution through established diplomatic channels. “We call on the involved parties to exercise restraint in order to prevent further deterioration of the situation in the region. We hope that existing differences between New Delhi and Islamabad will be resolved through peaceful political-diplomatic means on a bilateral basis, in accordance with the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999,” the statement said.
The statement came amid growing international alarm after India launched missile and air strikes at multiple locations in Pakistan, including Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Ahmedpur Sharqia Bagh, and Muridke. According to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), these strikes targeted both strategic and civilian areas.
Pakistan’s military swiftly responded to what it termed a “cowardly and unprovoked” act of aggression. Director General ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that Pakistan’s Air Force was immediately mobilised, successfully intercepting the attack and downing five Indian aircraft — reportedly including Rafales, Su-30MKIs, and a MiG-29 — while also destroying an Indian brigade headquarters along the Line of Control (LoC).
In a late-night press briefing, DG ISPR confirmed the tragic loss of 26 Pakistani civilians and injuries to 46 more following 24 separate Indian strikes across six locations. The strikes, which began under the cover of darkness, caused widespread panic in the targeted areas.
Pakistan’s military maintains that all operations conducted in response were carried out within the framework of self-defence. “India’s misadventure will not go unpunished,” said Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif. “We are giving a befitting response, and our forces remain vigilant.”
Russia’s call for restraint and return to diplomacy has added weight to growing international pressure on both sides to avoid further escalation, amid fears that continued hostilities could spiral into a wider regional conflict.
