UK Foreign Secretary Urges Restraint as India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate Over Kashmir

By A Staff Reporter

LONDON/NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD — As tensions surge between India and Pakistan over the long-contested Kashmir region, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy made urgent calls to his counterparts in both New Delhi and Islamabad on Friday, urging restraint and the de-escalation of military hostilities.

The outreach comes amid mounting international concern after India reportedly launched unprecedented air and ground assaults earlier this week on targets in Punjab and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The cross-border violence, now entering its third consecutive day, has resulted in multiple civilian casualties and displaced scores of residents near the Line of Control.

India’s Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that his conversation with Lammy focused on a “zero-tolerance” policy toward terrorism. Jaishankar underscored India’s position of holding Pakistan responsible for militant activities allegedly originating from its territory.

On the other side, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed grave concern, telling Lammy that India’s actions had “threatened regional peace and security.” A statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office added that Lammy conveyed “deep concern over the unfolding situation” and offered condolences for the civilian lives lost.

“He underscored the need for both sides to exercise restraint and de-escalate,” the statement said, as the UK joins other global powers in calling for calm and dialogue.