On May 7, 2025, India conducted precision strikes against terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) targeting the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba outfits. The strikes, which came after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians in India, were a direct retaliation to the increase in cross-border terrorism. Global world leaders reacted on this firmly.
While India insists that its activities were only aimed at terror infrastructure, Pakistan asserts that eight civilians were killed in the missile attacks, leading to a sharp escalation of the long-standing rivalry. The crisis is now attracting considerable attention from world leaders, each with a different take on the crisis.
US Demands Quick Resolution, Raises Concern Over Tensions
United States was swift in reaction. President Donald Trump referred to the escalation as “a shame” and hoped it would conclude “very quickly.” The US President noted that there was a long history of strife between Pakistan and India but maintained that the situation had to be put behind them quickly. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also took umbrage, indicating that Washington was keeping the situation under close watch and would meet both countries to a peaceful conclusion.
Trump’s FIRST reaction to Bharat’s strikes against Pakistani ‘terr0r infrastructure’
‘It’s a shame. We just heard about it. They’ve (Bharat) been fighting for decades (against Terr0ri$m)—centuries… hope it ends quickly’ pic.twitter.com/GEYxSpnibz
— BhikuMhatre (@MumbaichaDon) May 6, 2025
In order to further emphasize US support for India’s position, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval updated Marco Rubio on India’s military operations and reiterated that the operations were against terrorist groups and not civilians.
China Calls for Restraint, Peaceful Negotiations
China was highly concerned with the military actions and called on both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint. China’s foreign ministry spokesperson appealed to both sides to desist from further escalation and work towards peace and stability in the region.
Beijing’s response highlights the importance of both countries in regional security, particularly with their nuclear status.
Israel Backs India’s Right to Self-Defense
Contrary to China’s neutrality, Israel openly supported India’s move. Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, categorically endorsed India’s right to defend itself after the missile attacks. While issuing a statement on X, Azar stated, “Terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent.”
United Nations Calls for Maximum Restraint
United Nations, in a statement by Secretary-General António Guterres, was deeply concerned about the military actions. Guterres underlined maximum military restraint on the part of India and Pakistan since, in case of military clashes between these two nuclear powers, the impact on the world would be catastrophically dangerous.
The UN reiterated dialogue and diplomacy as the sole plausible solution.
UAE Calls for Diplomacy and Dialogue
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) too intervened, appealing to both countries to show restraint and desist from any activities that may disturb regional peace. UAE Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reiterated the power of diplomacy and dialogue in overcoming crises and leading to lasting regional stability.
International reactions to India’s attack on terrorist camps in Pakistan unveil the seriousness of this conflict. Although various world leaders of the US, China, and Israel have posted divergent remarks, the international appeal for restraint and diplomatic solutions is evident. As Pakistan resorts to blaming civilians killed and threatened retaliation, its likelihood of even greater military escalations remains large. In such a volatile atmosphere, world powers need to move fast to avert a general war and nudge both countries towards a peaceful resolution.
