Türkiye and China Condemn India’s Aggression Against Pakistan, Urge Restraint

Türkiye and China have issued strong condemnations of India’s recent military strikes on Pakistani territory, expressing solidarity with Pakistan and calling for immediate de-escalation to prevent a broader conflict in South Asia. The statements come amid heightened tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), where Pakistan claims to have shot down five Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, including Rafale and Sukhoi aircraft, in response to what it described as “unprovoked” Indian missile and artillery attacks.

On Wednesday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan contacted Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to convey Türkiye’s “grave concern” over the escalating situation and the loss of eight Pakistani civilians in Indian strikes on Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad. “We are deeply concerned about the escalation and the tragic loss of innocent lives in Pakistan,” Fidan said, affirming Türkiye’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to a statement from the Pakistani Prime Minister’s Office. The leaders agreed to maintain close contact and emphasized the need for regional stability through restraint.

In a parallel diplomatic move, the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Irfan Neziroglu, held an emergency meeting with Dar in Islamabad, condemning India’s actions and offering condolences for the civilian casualties. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a formal statement urging both India and Pakistan to prioritize diplomatic dialogue. “Türkiye urges both countries to act with restraint and prioritize peace in the region,” it stated, echoing calls for calm amid fears of a full-scale military confrontation.

China, a close ally of Pakistan, also deplored India’s strikes, labeling them “regrettable” and calling for both nations to exercise “maximum restraint.” During a press briefing, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed serious concern over the deteriorating situation in South Asia, stating, “We urge both Pakistan and India to refrain from taking steps that may aggravate the conflict. Peace must be given a chance first.” China’s response aligns with its earlier condemnation of the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists and sparked the current crisis, with India accusing Pakistan of involvement—a charge Islamabad denies.

The international outcry follows Pakistan’s claim of a decisive military response, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirming the destruction of India’s 12th Infantry Brigade headquarters and the downing of five IAF jets. Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that Indian strikes targeted civilian areas, prompting a “timely and proportionate” retaliation. Indian media acknowledged losses but confirmed only three jets downed, with at least 10 military personnel killed and 35 injured.

The conflict, rooted in the Pahalgam attack, has seen both nations escalate measures, including India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and Pakistan’s closure of airspace to Indian flights. Posts on X reflect growing alarm, with some users praising Türkiye and China’s support for Pakistan, while others warn of the economic fallout, as evidenced by the Pakistan Stock Exchange’s 6,500-point plunge on Wednesday.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UN Secretary-General António Guterres have also called for restraint, with Rubio engaging both Pakistani and Indian leaders to restore communication channels. As diplomatic efforts falter, Türkiye and China’s vocal support underscores the global stakes of the India-Pakistan standoff, with analysts warning that continued hostilities could destabilize the region and beyond.