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Brussels/New Delhi/Islamabad — The European Union (EU) on Friday called on India and Pakistan to exercise "restraint" and engage in "dialogue" to reduce escalating tensions, following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead, most of them tourists.
Kaja Kallas urges calm as global leaders engage in high-level diplomacy amid Indo-Pak border crisis
Amid speculation of a potential retaliatory strike by India, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas emphasized the need for diplomatic engagement between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Her statement followed individual phone conversations with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
“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).
EU’s Diplomatic Outreach Amid Growing Crisis
The EU’s intervention underscores growing international concern over South Asia’s deteriorating security environment. Kallas’ call comes just two days after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged both New Delhi and Islamabad to prioritize diplomatic channels over confrontation.
Rubio had direct conversations with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Dr. Jaishankar, reinforcing Washington’s stance on preventing further escalation in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam strike.
India’s Tough Posture Following Terror Attack
India has vowed to take decisive action in response to the April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s tourist hub of Pahalgam. Investigations have pointed to “cross-border linkages,” intensifying New Delhi’s long-standing accusations against Pakistan-based terror outfits.
In a high-level national security meeting held on April 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly granted the Indian Armed Forces “complete operational freedom” to determine the nature and scope of India’s response. “It is the national resolve to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism,” government sources quoted the Prime Minister as saying.
Following the attack, India initiated several punitive measures:
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a crucial bilateral water-sharing agreement.
Closure of the Attari border crossing, the only operational land route between the two countries.
Downgrading diplomatic ties, with both countries recalling senior diplomats.
Pakistan Reacts Strongly to India’s Moves
Pakistan has categorically rejected New Delhi’s allegations and retaliatory actions. Islamabad called India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty an “act of war,” warning of “consequences” if water flow is impeded.
In a swift countermeasure, Pakistan:
Shut down its airspace to Indian aircraft,
Suspended bilateral and third-party trade with India.
The diplomatic fallout has pushed South Asia to the brink of a significant geopolitical crisis.
Global Powers Urge Dialogue Over Confrontation
Switzerland also joined the chorus for de-escalation. On Friday, Dr. Jaishankar had a separate conversation with Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, where both leaders reiterated a shared stance of "zero tolerance for terrorism".
“Thanked him for his support and solidarity. We agreed on zero tolerance for terrorism,” Jaishankar said in another X post.
The concerted calls by the EU, U.S., and Switzerland signal growing alarm in global diplomatic circles about the volatility in the region.
Way Forward: A Delicate Balance Between Justice and Peace
While India continues to seek accountability for the Pahalgam attack, international actors are advocating for a careful approach that avoids military escalation. The EU’s message is clear: dialogue, not conflict, should be the tool of choice in addressing terror-related grievances and geopolitical disputes.
As both nations remain on high alert, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether cooler heads prevail or whether South Asia is once again plunged into a cycle of retaliation and uncertainty.
