EU foreign policy chief voices concern over rising tensions between Pakistan, India, urges de-escalation

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The EU foreign policy chief on Wednesday called for calm amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, emphasizing the need for dialogue and a peaceful resolution.

Speaking ahead of the Informal Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers in Warsaw, Kaja Kallas said: "It is very concerning what is happening there."

"It is clear that this war is not good for anybody. We are trying to mediate and bring the tensions down," Kallas added.

Underlining that she condemns terrorism "in any shape or form," she added that the bloc needs to see "how we can go from here to bring the tensions down."

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, for her part, echoed the call for restraint, stressing that military action cannot resolve the crisis.

"There won't be any military solution to this conflict," Valtonen said. "We call on all parties to de-escalate, and the European Union stands ready to engage with all parties for a peaceful resolution of this conflict."

The EU has consistently urged both Islamabad and New Delhi to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic channels to address their longstanding disputes. The bloc reiterated its willingness to support efforts aimed at reducing hostilities and fostering dialogue.

The recent flare-up has raised international concerns about regional stability in South Asia, prompting calls from multiple governments and organizations for immediate de-escalation.

India late Tuesday said it launched strikes on Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, targeting "terrorist infrastructure" at nine sites.

Pakistan said India hit six locations, and 26 people were killed and 46 others injured in the strikes and cross-border firing along the Line of Control, the de facto border.

The escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors comes in the wake of an April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed. India blamed Pakistan for the attack, claiming there were cross-border links. Pakistan denied that it had anything to do with the killings.