China on Monday called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint amid rising tensions following the Pahalgam attack in occupied Kashmir, which killed 26 people — mostly tourists — on April 22. The deadly assault was one of the worst armed incidents in the region since 2000.
Although the group “Kashmir Resistance” initially claimed responsibility, it later unequivocally denied involvement. India has implied cross-border connections without providing evidence, while Pakistan has categorically denied any role and called for a neutral probe.
“China hopes that the two sides will exercise restraint, meet each other halfway, properly handle relevant differences through dialogue and consultation, and jointly maintain regional peace and stability,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated during a press briefing. Beijing welcomed all measures that could help de-escalate the situation.
Meanwhile, Pakistan and India reportedly exchanged fire across the Line of Control (LoC) for the fourth consecutive night. No casualties were reported, but the skirmishes have raised fears of broader conflict. India has also conducted several military exercises across the country since the attack.
Tensions have further deepened after India unilaterally suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, to which Pakistan responded by threatening to suspend the Simla Agreement and close its airspace to Indian flights. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to punish the attackers “beyond their imagination,” while Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned of “all-out war” if India launched any aggression.
US, China Call for Dialogue as Diplomatic Stakes Rise
The United States echoed China’s call for restraint, urging India and Pakistan to work toward a “responsible solution.” A State Department spokesperson confirmed Washington was in contact with both governments and closely monitoring developments.
While reaffirming support for India and condemning the Pahalgam attack, the US stopped short of criticising Pakistan directly. Analysts noted that the Trump administration’s current priorities — including the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza — may limit its diplomatic intervention between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
Michael Kugelman, a South Asia expert, suggested that the US might initially stay hands-off, raising concerns in Islamabad that Washington would favour India’s counterterrorism stance. Former US officials such as Hussain Haqqani and Ned Price also warned that a perception of unconditional US backing for India could risk further escalation between the two sides.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Iran have offered to mediate, though no formal initiative has materialized yet.
Crackdown in Kashmir Fuels Anger Over Mass Detentions
Following the Pahalgam attack, Indian security forces have intensified crackdowns across occupied Kashmir, demolishing nine homes and detaining nearly 2,000 people in sweeping raids. According to police sources, many detainees are being summoned for questioning rather than being formally arrested, but the mass detentions have triggered widespread public anger.
Security forces have conducted searches of around 1,000 houses and forests in search of the attackers. Political leaders in Kashmir have warned against indiscriminate action, urging authorities to ensure innocent civilians are not victimized.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized that while terrorists must be punished, innocent people should not suffer collateral damage. Other politicians echoed these concerns, accusing authorities of “collective punishment” against Kashmiris.
As India and Pakistan continue to exchange accusations, the region remains on edge, with international voices urging dialogue over confrontation to prevent further escalation.
