Uzbekistan calls for restraint after India-Pakistan military escalation

On May 7, India launched a missile strike on Pakistan, triggering a swift military response from Islamabad, which labeled the attack an "act of war." In response to the growing escalation, Uzbekistan has called on both nuclear-armed nations to de-escalate tensions and return to diplomatic dialogue.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uzbekistan expressed serious concern about the situation:

“The Uzbek side is following with concern the development of the escalating situation between India and Pakistan. We call on both sides to exercise restraint, act in the interests of peace and stability, and give priority to diplomatic dialogue to prevent further deterioration of the situation. Uzbekistan is ready to support any international or regional actions aimed at de-escalating the situation and resolving it peacefully,” the Ministry noted.

This latest flare-up follows a deadly incident on April 22, when gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, killing over 20 people. The attack occurred in Pahalgam, a well-known tourist destination located in a disputed region long claimed by both India and Pakistan.

In the aftermath of the Kashmir attack, the Indian government convened an emergency meeting, where it adopted a series of severe measures against Pakistan. These included suspending the Indus Water Treaty signed in 1960, closing the only official land border at Attari, halting the visa-free regime for Pakistani citizens, and reducing the number of diplomatic staff in both countries.

Pakistan reacted strongly, declaring any attempt to restrict or divert water flow as an "act of war." The Pakistani Defense Ministry posted videos and statements on social media, asserting the country's military readiness. On April 30, Pakistan’s Information Minister claimed to have intelligence that India was planning an imminent strike within 24–36 hours, though India did not issue any public response.

Meanwhile, reports surfaced of multiple ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the shared border in recent days, further aggravating the situation.

Tensions between India and Pakistan are not new, with decades of unresolved territorial disputes, particularly over Kashmir. Notably, in 1966, both countries signed a peace agreement in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to resolve earlier conflicts. The recent escalation, however, marks one of the most serious confrontations in years, raising alarms in the international community.