Brussels: The EU on Thursday condemned the recent attack in Indian-administered Kashmir and called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to avoid further escalation. In a statement issued by Kaja Kallas, the foreign policy chief, on behalf of the EU and its 27 member states, the bloc said it "unequivocally condemns the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April and the murder of innocent civilians."
According to Anadolu Agency, the EU stated that "terrorism can never be justified," emphasizing the need for those responsible to be brought to justice. Emphasizing every state's right and duty to protect its citizens from terrorism through lawful means, the EU also expressed deep concern over the rising tensions in the region.
The statement highlighted the EU's close monitoring of the situation, expressing concern over the possible loss of more lives due to the growing tensions. The EU urged both sides to "exercise restraint, to de-escalate tensions and desist from further attacks to safeguard civilian lives on both sides," and called for renewed efforts to open diplomatic channels.
The EU also stressed the importance of India and Pakistan living up to their obligations under international law to protect civilian lives. The latest developments come as tensions between the two nuclear neighbors have been running high after India launched strikes on several cities in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
At least 31 people were killed and 57 others injured in the missile strikes and cross-border firing along the Line of Control in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, according to the Pakistani army. Pakistan has vowed to retaliate "at a time, place, and manner of its choosing."
Following the missile strikes on what New Delhi claimed were nine sites of "terrorist infrastructure," Pakistan reported shooting down five Indian fighter jets and a combat drone. There was no official reaction by New Delhi to the downing of Indian aircraft.
Indian officials reported that 16 people and an Indian soldier were also killed in cross-border firing along the LoC, a de facto border dividing the disputed Himalayan region between the two archrivals. Pakistan's military spokesman Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that security forces neutralized 25 Harop drones fired by India overnight, describing it as a "serious provocation." He added that a civilian was killed and four Pakistani soldiers were injured in the drone attacks.