G7 calls for restraint as India-Pakistan tensions escalate

Ottawa: The G7 nations have urged India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the High Representative of the European Union strongly condemned the April 22 terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam.

“Further military escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability. We are deeply concerned for the safety of civilians on both sides,” the G7 statement read.

The G7 countries called for immediate de-escalation and encouraged both nations to engage in direct dialogue for a peaceful resolution. “We continue to monitor events closely and express our support for a swift and lasting diplomatic resolution,” the statement added.

Following the Pahalgam attack, India carried out strikes on terrorist camps at nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on the night of May 7, resulting in multiple casualties.

In response, Pakistan has launched drone and missile attacks targeting Indian territory. These attempts have been effectively thwarted by the Indian Armed Forces.