New Delhi, May 7 (UNI) World leaders on Wednesday expressed serious concern over the border clashes between India and Pakistan and called the two nuclear nations to exercise restraint and not take any step that further complicates the situation.
The US, France, China Britain and other nations urged leaders of the two countries to take immediate measures to defuse the tension.
Expressing concern, President Donald Trump hoped to see an early end of hostilities between the two countries.
"It's a shame, we just heard about it," said Trump. "I just hope it ends very quickly," he added.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio "is encouraging India and Pakistan to re-open communication channels between their leaders to defuse the situation and prevent escalation," said US National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes, after Rubio spoke with his counterparts from India and Pakistan.
China also urged India and Pakistan to avoid confrontation. "We call on both India and Pakistan to prioritise peace and stability, remain calm and restrained and avoid taking actions that further complicate the situation," said China's foreign ministry spokesperson.
The U N Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also expressed concern on the escalation of conflict and called for maximum military restraint from both countries.
"The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan," he added.
French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot said, "We understand India's desire to protect itself against the scourge of terrorism, but we obviously call on both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint to avoid escalation and, of course, to protect civilians."
Britain's Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynold said, "Our message would be that we are a friend, a partner to both countries. We stand ready to support both countries."
Russia's foreign ministry said it was "deeply concerned by the escalation of military confrontation" and called on the parties to exercise restraint to prevent further deterioration.
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