India stands alone as major powers urge restraint over tensions with Pakistan

As Pakistan sounded the alarm over a possible Indian military action expected within the next 24 to 36 hours, foreign media reported that the United States is actively engaged with Indian leadership, urging New Delhi to refrain from any military action that could plunge the region into violent conflict.

International analysts have warned that any aggressive move by India would be catastrophic for regional stability, with many calling a potential Indian military response “a grave mistake.”

Late Tuesday night, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar issued a video statement claiming that credible intelligence suggested India was preparing for a military strike against Pakistan, underscoring the urgency of the situation by releasing the announcement in the middle of the night.

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Meanwhile, major regional powers, including Russia, China, and Turkey, have all called for de-escalation, with none endorsing India’s allegations against Pakistan or its possible use of force.

Notably, China has publicly declared its support for Pakistan in the wake of the rising tensions.

While the United States condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, it has stopped short of endorsing any Indian military action.

Instead, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly been in direct contact with both Pakistani and Indian leaderships to discourage any escalation between the two nuclear-armed nations.

South Asia expert Michael Kugelman stated on X that third-party mediation, particularly by Arab or Gulf nations with close ties to both India and Pakistan, could help defuse the crisis.

Commenting on India’s potential military options in response to the Pahalgam attack, despite its failure to present substantial evidence to the international community, Kugelman wrote:

“Lots of talk on what an Indian military strike may look like. In reality, India is likely considering a range of possible responses targeting Pakistan, with some (for political reasons) intended to be more visible than others. Covert actions are likely under discussion, too.”

Other international experts echoed similar views, advising India to avoid military confrontation and suggesting that behind-the-scenes diplomacy might be the key to averting a full-blown crisis.