New Delhi: The G7 nations issued a collective statement on Saturday condemning the terror attack that occurred in Pahalgam on April 22. The joint statement from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the US, and the European Union called for restraint from both India and Pakistan.
"We, the G7 Foreign Ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, along with the High Representative of the European Union, denounce the appalling terrorist act in Pahalgam on April 22 and urge both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint," the statement noted.
The statement highlighted concerns for civilians on both sides of the border.
"The potential for further military escalation poses a significant risk to regional stability. We are deeply troubled by the safety of civilians in the affected areas," it emphasized.
The statement urged both parties to pursue dialogue for a peaceful resolution.
"We call for an immediate de-escalation and encourage both nations to engage in direct discussions towards a peaceful resolution. We will continue to closely monitor developments and express our commitment to achieving a quick and lasting diplomatic solution," the statement indicated.
Earlier in the day, US White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed US efforts to mediate the conflict between India and Pakistan, stating that the US aims to ease the tensions between the two countries.
Leavitt noted that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been in discussions with the leaders of both countries to promote de-escalation efforts.
"This is an issue that the Secretary of State, as well as our National Security Adviser Marco Rubio, has been heavily involved in. The President desires to see a rapid de-escalation," she remarked.
Leavitt acknowledged that the conflict is longstanding and discussions are underway to avert further escalations.
"He is aware that these two nations have been in conflict for many years, long before President Trump occupied the Oval Office. Nevertheless, he maintains good relations with the leaders of both countries, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whom I spoke to just yesterday, has been in continuous contact with them, striving to resolve this conflict," she stated.
