Global Reactions to India-Pakistan Tensions
The global community, including the US, Europe, and Russia, has consistently urged India to show restraint in its response to Pakistan following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The coordinated message emphasizes avoiding a regional escalation, highlighting the diplomatic challenge India faces.
Similar Stances from Major Powers
- Influential figures such as Marco Rubio, EU’s Kaja Kallas, and Sergey Lavrov have equated India and Pakistan, calling for dialogue without explicitly condemning Pakistan's actions.
- The UNSC meeting, prompted by rising tensions, did not produce significant outcomes for India.
US Position
- While supportive of India's right to self-defense, the US expressed the hope that India's response would not lead to broader conflict.
- Previous US administrations have been more forthright in condemning Pakistan's actions; for instance, John Bolton in 2019 and Susan Rice in 2016 directly criticized Pakistan's role in terrorism.
India's Diplomatic Dilemma
India struggles to balance retribution for the terrorist attack with its goals of economic progress. Despite making some diplomatic headway, India's efforts to name terrorist groups in UN statements were met with limited success.
China's Support for Pakistan
- China has shown strong support for Pakistan, referring to their "iron-clad friendship." It backs Pakistan's demands for an "independent investigation" into the attack.
- This stance underscores China's strategic interest in maintaining its influence over Pakistan.
Strategic Considerations
Washington's current stance, driven by its focus on other global issues such as Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas, may not be explicitly anti-India but is based on a cautious approach to avoid additional conflict. China's strategy aims to exploit these dynamics to its advantage.
