'The world can't afford it': Global reaction to India-Pakistan clashes

Deadly clashes between India and Pakistan have prompted concern and calls for restraint from around the world on Wednesday. The violence was the worst to erupt between the nuclear-armed neighbors in two decades. See below for details, but first, here's the reaction.

Europen Union foreign affairs spokesman Anouar El Anouni said "We do urge both sides to show restraint and take immediate steps towards de-escalation. The EU recalls the need for a negotiated, agreed and lasting, peaceful  solution to the conflict."

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres' spokesman Stephane Dujarric said "The Secretary-General is very concerned about the Indian military operations across the Line of Control and international border. He calls for maximum military restraint from both countries," adding "the world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan."

China's foreign ministry said "We regret India's military actions in the early hours of today and are concerned about the current development of the situation. India and Pakistan are neighbors that cannot be moved, and both countries are also China's neighbors. 

"China opposes all forms of terrorism. We urge both India and Pakistan to prioritize peace and stability, remain calm and restrained from taking actions that could further complicate the situation. China stands ready to work with the international community to continue playing a constructive role in easing the current tensions."

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters in Washington the fighting was "a shame" and said he hoped it "ends very quickly". Marco Rubio – who as Secretary of State acts as Washington's foreign minister – "is encouraging India and Pakistan to re-open a channel between their leadership to defuse the situation and prevent further escalation," said National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes, after Rubio spoke with his counterparts from India and Pakistan.

Russia's foreign ministry said it was "deeply concerned by the escalation of military confrontation", called "on the parties to exercise restraint to prevent further deterioration" and said it hoped tensions could be "resolved through peaceful, diplomatic means."

Germany's foreign ministry said "escalation must be prevented" and that "responsible action is urgently needed from both countries," adding it was convening a crisis meeting and German officials were in contact with both sides.

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said "We understand India's desire to protect itself against the scourge of terrorism, but we obviously call on both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint to avoid escalation and, of course, to protect civilians. Nobody has anything to gain from prolonged confrontation."

UK Foreign Minister David Lammy said "Current tensions between India and Pakistan are a serious concern. The UK government is urging India and Pakistan to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward."

Türkiye's foreign ministry said "The attack carried out last night by India runs the risk of an all-out war," adding "We condemn this provocative initiative as well as the attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure." Ankara called on both sides to "show good sense" and take the necessary measures to reduce tension "including in the fight against terrorism".

Israel's ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said "Israel supports India's right for self-defense. Terrorists should know there's no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent."

The United Arab Emirates foreign ministry said the deputy foreign minister "has called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation that could threaten regional and international peace."

Bangladesh's foreign ministry said the country was deeply concerned over the situation, urging both countries to remain calm and show restraint.

Indonesia's foreign ministry said "We urge both parties to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue in resolving the crisis."

Japan's chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed "strong concern that this situation may lead to further retaliatory exchanges and escalate into a full-scale military conflict. For the peace and stability of South Asia, we strongly urge both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and stabilize the situation through dialogue."

What happened?

India attacked Pakistan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir on Wednesday and Pakistan said it had shot down five Indian fighter jets.

The Indian strikes included targets in Punjab, its first attacks on Pakistan's most populous province since the last full-scale war between the old enemies more than half a century ago, triggering fears of further hostilities in one of the world's most dangerous flashpoints.

Pakistan said India "had ignited an inferno in the region" and that it would respond "at a time, place and manner of its choosing to avenge the loss of innocent Pakistani lives and blatant violation of its sovereignty".

India said it struck nine "terrorist infrastructure" sites, some of them linked to an attack by Islamist militants on Hindu tourists that killed 26 people in Indian Kashmir last month. Four of the sites were in Punjab and five in Pakistani Kashmir, it said.

India had earlier said two of three suspects in the tourist attack were Pakistani nationals but has not detailed any evidence. Pakistan denied that it had anything to do with the killings.

Islamabad said six Pakistani locations were targeted, and that none of them were militant camps. At least 26 civilians were killed and 46 wounded, a Pakistan military spokesperson said.