What are The International Reactions on the Indo-Pak 2019 Crisis?
There has been serious trouble brewing between India and Pakistan. Kashmir has always been a sensitive issue for both the countries and the concern surfaces from time to time. However, the matter this time is of grave concern. Some even are fearing chances of a war between the two countries. The latent tension between nuclear-armed states developed after Pakistan sponsored terrorists carried out Pulwama attacks, killing over 44 Indian CRPF personnel. To this India responded by air strikes, claiming to destroy the training camp of Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed. Since then the two countries are restlessly agitated. The world has spoken up and opined on the current situation. Most countries are, however, maintaining a neutral stand rather than siding with one of the two nations involved.
Below are the views of some of the countries on this burning issue.
USA
United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has stated that “We encourage India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, and avoid escalation at any cost. I also encouraged both Ministers to prioritize direct communication and avoid further military activity.”
He later added that “I also spoke to Pakistani Foreign Minister Qureshi to underscore the priority of de-escalating current tensions by avoiding military action, and the urgency of Pakistan taking meaningful action against terrorist groups operating on its soil.”
UK
UK Prime Minister Theresa May has issued a statement “UK is deeply concerned about rising tensions between India and Pakistan and urgently calls for restraint on both sides to avoid further escalation. We’re in regular contact with both countries, urging dialogue and diplomatic solutions to ensure regional stability.”
Russia
Russia has issued the statement “We express our serious concern about the aggravation of the situation along the Line of Control between India and Pakistan and the outbreak of tensions between friendly states. We call on both sides to show restraint and step up efforts to resolve existing problems by political and diplomatic means.”
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has released a statement “Sri Lanka strongly supports peace and stability in the South Asia region and all endeavours towards the diffusion of tensions including the resolution of bilateral problems through dialogue and building confidence.”
France
France, other than asking both the countries to exercise restraint, has shown support for India. France has officially posted a series of tweets:
“France recognizes the legitimacy of #India in ensuring its security against cross-border #terrorism and calls on #Pakistan to put an end to the activities of the terrorist groups established in its territory.”
“France, which stands alongside #India in the fight against #terrorism in all its forms, is fully committed to mobilizing the international community to punish the terrorists responsible for this attack and to block their channels of financing.”
“We solemnly call on #India and #Pakistan to exercise restraint in order to avert any risk of military escalation and to preserve strategic stability in the region.”
“The resumption of bilateral dialogue between Islamabad and New Delhi is necessary in order to launch efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the disputes.”
China
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang has stated “I want to say that India and Pakistan are both important countries in South Asia. A sound relationship and cooperation between the two serves the interests of both the countries and peace and stability in South Asia. We hope that both India and Pakistan can exercise restraint and do more to improve their bilateral relations.”
Australia
Australia’s foreign affairs minister Marise Payne has stated that “Australia urges both sides to exercise restraint, avoid any action which would endanger peace and security in the region and engage in dialogue to ensure that these issues are resolved peacefully.”
Indonesia
Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a written statement “Indonesia follows with concern recent developments in relations between India and Pakistan on the issue of Jammu-Kashmir. Considering the importance of the two countries in South Asia, Indonesia hopes the two countries would continue to be part of efforts in creating a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Indonesia calls on all relevant parties to exercise maximum self-restraint, take immediate measures to reduce tensions, and prevent the escalation of conflict in Jammu-Kashmir.”
Turkey
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu stated that “We are concerned over this tension. We want to call for common sense and calm between the parties. Steps that will escalate the tension should be avoided.”
Iran
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi said: “Tehran calls on the two countries of India and Pakistan to [exercise] restraint and make more efforts to reduce tensions and peacefully settle the existing differences and problems through dialog.”
Canada
Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chrystia Freeland stated that “Canada is gravely concerned about rising tension between India and Pakistan. We urge both sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any further military escalation.”
Japan
Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono as stated that “In response to the mounting tension due to the operations since 26 February between the Indian Air Force and the Pakistan Air Force, Japan strongly urges India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and stabilize the situation through dialogue.”
Germany
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has stated that “We are very concerned about the current state of affairs. We know that the situation in Kashmir is not how we wish it to be. But it is up to both sides. There is terror on the ground. In Pakistan too every effort must be made to ensure that terrorist organisations which are known to have their base in Pakistan, are combated.“
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