EU Urges India and Pakistan to Engage in Dialogue Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following the Pahalgam terror attack, prompting international calls for restraint. The European Union (EU) urged both nations to engage in dialogue to ease the situation. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, expressed concern over the rising tensions and emphasised that escalation benefits no one. Kallas communicated these concerns after speaking with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

EU's Call for Restraint

Kallas reiterated her message on social media, stating, "Rising tensions between India and Pakistan are alarming. I urge both sides to show restraint and pursue dialogue to ease the situation. Escalation helps no one." This call for calm comes amid speculation about India's potential retaliation against Pakistan due to cross-border links to the Pahalgam attack.

Jaishankar welcomed the EU's condemnation of terrorism in all its forms. He expressed appreciation for the EU's stance during his conversation with Kallas, highlighting the importance of addressing terrorism comprehensively. "Good to speak with EU HRVP @kajakallas this evening. Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Welcome European Union's strong condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations," Jaishankar posted on social media.

International Reactions

The EU's appeal followed a similar request from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio urged India and Pakistan to work together to de-escalate tensions over the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which resulted in 26 deaths, mostly tourists. Rubio had discussions with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Jaishankar on Wednesday regarding the escalating situation.

India has vowed severe consequences for those involved in the attack, citing cross-border connections. During a high-level meeting with defence officials, Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed that India's armed forces have full operational freedom to decide on their response strategy. Government sources reported Modi's commitment to delivering a decisive blow against terrorism.

India's Response Measures

On April 23, India announced several punitive actions against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the only operational land-border crossing at Punjab's Attari. Diplomatic ties were also downgraded due to the cross-border links to the Pahalgam incident.

In retaliation, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian aircraft and halted all trade with India, even through third countries. Pakistan rejected India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that any attempt to stop water flow would be considered an act of war.

On Friday, Jaishankar also engaged in talks with Switzerland's Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis about the Pahalgam attack. He thanked Cassis for his support and solidarity, noting their agreement on zero tolerance for terrorism.

With inputs from PTI