Operation Sindoor: World Leaders Urge India, Pakistan to Exercise Restraint

Washington/ Moscow: World leaders, including UN Secretary- General António Guterres and US President Donald Trump, have called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint following Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory strike against nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan -occupied Kashmir. The military action was in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, with Indian forces targeting locations including Bahawalpur, a known Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) stronghold.
UN Secretary- General Guterres expressed deep concern over the escalation and urged both countries to show "maximum military restraint." His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, stated that the world cannot afford a military confrontation between the two nuclear- armed neighbours.
US President Donald Trump described the situation as “a shame” and said he hoped the hostilities would end “very quickly.” He noted that the conflict between India and Pakistan has persisted for decades, even centuries. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was closely monitoring the developments.
Russia also expressed serious concern over the military confrontation. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova urged both sides to exercise restraint and called for the resolution of differences through peaceful, political, and diplomatic means, as outlined in the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999.
The United Kingdom said it is ready to support both India and Pakistan in efforts toward dialogue and de-escalation. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds called the situation “hugely worrying” and said UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy had reached out to both nations. Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney echoed similar concerns on social media and urged calm and dialogue.
The United Arab Emirates also urged both countries to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation. UAE Deputy Prime Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in maintaining regional peace and stability. The UAE reiterated its commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at peaceful conflict resolution.
China called on both countries to act in the "larger interest of peace and stability" in the region. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China is ready to work with the international community to ease tensions and play a constructive role.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced deep concern and stressed the need for restraint, open communication, and a diplomatic resolution. It reaffirmed its full support for regional and international efforts to ensure peace, security, and stability in South Asia.

Japan also condemned the terror attack and expressed concern that further retaliatory exchanges could escalate into a full-scale military conflict. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi urged both countries to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue for the sake of regional peace.
As global concern mounts, the international community has united in urging India and Pakistan to step back from the brink and resolve their differences through diplomatic channels, emphasising peace, stability, and mutual understanding.