With India-Pakistan tensions spiralling over the last few days, the Group of Seven (G7) countries made a strong call for their nuclear-armed neighbours to use “maximum restraint” and resolve issues through direct conversation to avoid further military escalation. The G7 made its appeal on Friday, May 9, as the two nations witnessed a series of retaliatory attacks, drone raids, and cross-border fire.
In a shared statement, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, along with the High Representative of the European Union, condemned the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22 and showed extreme concern for civilians’ safety. “Further military escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability,” said the statement. It further included, “We call for immediate de-escalation and encourage both countries to engage in direct dialogue towards a peaceful outcome.”
Retaliatory Strikes and Drone Warfare Escalate
Tensions sharply increased after May 7, when Pakistan launched a series of air attacks. India retaliated with precision strikes along the Line of Control (Loc) and the International Border (IB), targeting strategic military targets. Defence sources confirmed that India had effectively neutralised Pakistan’s Lahore Air Defence System.
Despite repeated drone and missile strikes by Islamabad, Indian troops had air supremacy, successfully intercepting or nullifying the vast majority of Pakistani efforts to break through Indian airspace. During Friday evening, Pakistan once more sent drones targeting major Indian sites, including spots in Jammu. India, in turn, retaliated with equally powerful counterattacks, ramping up the standoff.
On-Ground Aggression and Infiltration Attempts
The security environment has also worsened on the ground. Pakistan stepped up shelling in Poonch, Rajouri, Uri, and Kupwara, with India retaliating with artillery fire. The Border Security Force (BSF) also intercepted a big infiltration bid in Jammu’s Samba district, possibly averting a likely terror strike.
The G7 call is a response to growing international concern about the risk of an escalation into a wider conflict. Although both countries are on high alert, pressure is building on them to take a step back from the precipice. The situation is volatile, with civilians and border communities bearing the impact of the crossfire.
