Russia strongly advices India, Pakistan to demonstrate restraint

(MENAFN) Russia has expressed significant concern over the escalating violence between India and Pakistan, urging both nations to take steps to prevent further conflicts. The recent surge in tensions follows a terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting areas in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. Pakistan condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of its sovereignty and threatening retaliation.

The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned all acts of terrorism and emphasized the importance of global unity in combating this threat. Moscow called for restraint from both sides and expressed hope that India and Pakistan would resolve their differences through peaceful diplomatic means.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also reached out to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, offering condolences for the April attack and reaffirming Russia’s strong strategic partnership with India. Additionally, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov contacted both Indian and Pakistani leaders last week, offering assistance to ease tensions.

India claimed to have targeted several “terrorist camps” in Pakistan, describing its actions as “measured and non-escalatory.” One significant target was the Masjid wa Markaz Taiba mosque complex near Lahore, considered a key base for the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist group. While the Resistance Front initially took responsibility for the Kashmir attack, later reports indicated the group distanced itself from it.

In response, Pakistan’s military said the Indian missile strikes killed eight civilians and injured 38. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that his government had the right to retaliate strongly against what it considered an act of war by India.

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