The G7 nations on Friday issued a strong condemnation of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam and urged both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint in the wake of escalating tensions.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, along with the High Representative of the European Union, emphasized the urgent need for immediate de-escalation and called upon both nations to engage in direct dialogue to resolve the crisis through peaceful means.
“We, the G7 Foreign Ministers… strongly condemn the egregious terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 and urge maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan,” the statement read.
The G7 warned that further military escalation could pose a significant threat to regional stability and expressed deep concern for the safety and well-being of civilians on both sides of the border. “We call for immediate de-escalation and encourage both countries to engage in direct dialogue towards a peaceful outcome. We continue to monitor events closely and express our support for a swift and lasting diplomatic resolution,” the statement added.
Tensions between the two South Asian neighbours have intensified following India’s precision strikes on May 7 targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was carried out in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the death of 26 civilians, allegedly at the hands of Pakistan-linked terrorists.
In retaliation, Pakistan launched a fresh wave of drone strikes late Friday, targeting 26 locations across Indian territory from Jammu & Kashmir to Gujarat. The Indian Ministry of Defence reported that vital installations, including airbases and civilian airports, were among the intended targets. However, all such threats were successfully neutralized.
“The Indian armed forces remain on high alert. All aerial threats are being tracked and countered using advanced drone defence systems. The situation is under constant surveillance, and rapid response measures are in place,” the Indian Army stated.
These latest strikes followed an earlier wave on Thursday night, during which Pakistan deployed an estimated 300 to 400 Turkish-origin armed drones against 36 Indian sites. Notably, Pakistan allegedly used civilian airliners as cover to attack military installations, prompting India to retaliate by targeting and destroying four Pakistani air defence positions, including one radar installation.
