India carried out missile strikes in the Pakistani cities of Punjab and Azad Kashmir on Wednesday, prompting the Pakistan armed forces to respond with retaliatory strikes, shooting down five Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, a drone, and destroying a brigade headquarters.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director-General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed the safety of all Pakistan Air Force jets following the engagement with Indian aircraft.
A military spokesperson confirmed to Reuters that among the destroyed Indian Air Force (IAF) jets were three French-made Rafales, one Su30MKI, and one MIG-29 Fulcrum.
Following the escalating aggression between the two nations after India’s attack, world leaders, UN officials, and the International Community have voiced profound concerns.
Trump Calls Rising Tensions a ‘Shame’
US President Donald Trump expressed his hope for a swift end to the clashes between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan after New Delhi’s forces launched strikes and Islamabad vowed retaliation.
He described the rising tension between India and Pakistan as a “shame.”
“It’s a shame, we just heard about it,” Trump stated at the White House.
“I guess people knew something was going to happen based on the past. They’ve been fighting for many, many decades and centuries, actually, if you really think about it,” he added.
“I just hope it ends very quickly,” said Trump.
“We continue to urge Pakistan and India to work towards a responsible resolution that maintains long-term peace and regional stability in South Asia,” State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters.
Rubio Urges Both Sides to Engage in Discussions
Furthermore, the White House reported on Tuesday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had spoken with his counterparts from India and Pakistan, encouraging both sides to engage in discussions to de-escalate the mounting military confrontation.
“He is encouraging India and Pakistan to re-open a channel between their leadership to defuse the situation and prevent further escalation,” said US National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes in a statement released after India’s air strikes on Pakistani territory.
UN Chief ‘Very Concerned’
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed being “very concerned” about the Indian military strikes on Pakistan, according to his spokesperson on Tuesday, hours after India claimed to have hit nine sites within Pakistani territory.
“The Secretary-General is very concerned about the Indian military operations across the Line of Control and international border. He calls for maximum military restraint from both countries. The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan,” stated spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
China Calls on Both Sides to Exercise Restraint
China also urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and prioritize peace and stability, its foreign ministry stated in response to the military escalation between the South Asian nations.
The Chinese ministry conveyed in a statement its regret over India’s military action and its concern regarding the current situation.
Turkey Expresses Solidarity with Pakistan
Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan contacted his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar by telephone on Tuesday to express solidarity following India’s unprovoked aggression, the Foreign Office reported.
According to FO spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, Fidan conveyed deep concern over the deteriorating regional security situation. Both ministers agreed to maintain close communication as events unfold.
Russia Urges Restraint from Both Nations
Furthermore, Russia’s foreign ministry stated on Wednesday its deep concern regarding the deepening military confrontation between India and Pakistan, and called on both countries to demonstrate restraint.
Russia maintains warm diplomatic relations with both India and Pakistan.
India and Pakistan have engaged in three full-scale wars since gaining independence from British rule in 1947.
