US hopes India avoids sparking conflict in the region.

Global Concern Mounts as India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate Over Pahalgam Incident

Key Developments:

1. US Calls for Restraint Amid Indian War Rhetoric

   • US Vice President JD Vance, during a visit to India, expressed hope that India’s response to the Pahalgam attack “does not lead to a broader regional conflict.”

   • His remarks came after PM Modi reportedly granted India’s military “complete operational freedom” to decide on retaliation.

   • Indian media reacted angrily, with Times of India accusing the US of “backstabbing India and shielding Pakistan.”

   • Vance urged Pakistan to cooperate in counterterrorism efforts if militants were operating from its soil.

2. Pakistan’s Firm Warning & Diplomatic Push

   • Army Chief Gen Asim Munir issued a clear warning: Any Indian military misadventure will be met with a “swift, resolute, and notch-up response.”

   • Pakistan has offered a neutral, transparent probe into the Pahalgam incident, while rejecting India’s unsubstantiated allegations.

   • PM Shehbaz Sharif reached out to Saudi, UAE, and Kuwaiti ambassadors, seeking their support for de-escalation.

   • He emphasized that India’s aggression is a distraction from Pakistan’s counterterrorism and economic recovery efforts.

3. International Diplomatic Efforts

   • European Union:

     • EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas spoke with Pakistani FM Ishaq Dar and Indian FM Jaishankar, urging restraint and dialogue.

     • Dar rejected India’s baseless accusations and raised concerns over India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a violation of international law.

   • UNSC Outreach:

     • Pakistan briefed Panama and Denmark (both UNSC members) on India’s “inflammatory propaganda” and unilateral actions.

     • Both nations stressed restraint and pledged to work for peace at the UN.

4. India’s Isolation on the Global Stage

   • Despite its aggressive posturing, India has failed to provide credible evidence linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack.

   • The US, EU, and other nations are pushing for de-escalation, undermining India’s attempts to justify military action.

   • Pakistan’s call for an impartial investigation has gained traction, while India’s refusal to cooperate raises suspicions.

A Test for Regional Stability

• India’s warmongering rhetoric risks destabilizing South Asia, but global powers are urging restraint.

• Pakistan’s measured response, combined with diplomatic outreach, has positioned it as the responsible actor in this crisis.

• The international community’s intervention may prevent a larger conflict, but much depends on whether India chooses escalation over dialogue.

• If India opts for military action, it could trigger a dangerous confrontation, with Pakistan prepared to retaliate decisively.

• The world must press for transparency—Pakistan’s offer of an independent probe remains the most credible path to truth and de-escalation.