WEB DESK: European Union (EU) on Friday urged India and Pakistan to exercise “restraint” and engage in dialogue to ease the rising tensions amid ongoing speculation about possible Indian retaliation against Pakistan following the recent cross-border links to the Pahalgam terror attack.
In a series of phone conversations with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas expressed concern over the escalating situation, describing it as “alarming” and emphasizing that escalation benefits no one.
“Rising tensions between India and Pakistan are alarming. I urge both sides to show restraint and pursue dialogue to ease the situation. Escalation helps no one,” Kallas posted on X (formerly Twitter).
She added, “I spoke to both @DrSJaishankar and @MishaqDar50 today to convey these messages.”
Responding to the EU’s call, Jaishankar appreciated the EU’s “strong condemnation” of terrorism and highlighted the importance of addressing the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
“Good to speak with EU HRVP @kajakallas this evening. Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Welcome European Union’s strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms,” Jaishankar tweeted.
This EU appeal follows a similar plea from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who on Wednesday called on India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions. Rubio spoke with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Jaishankar amid concerns over the April 22 Pahalgam strike, which resulted in 26 fatalities, mostly tourists.
The ongoing diplomatic exchanges highlight the international community’s concern over the fragile situation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors amid recent violence and escalating rhetoric.
