The UK has stepped forward with a message of calm and support as violence escalates between India and Pakistan following deadly airstrikes in the disputed Kashmir region.
At least 19 lives were lost and 38 more people were injured overnight after India launched missile strikes into areas of Kashmir controlled by Pakistan. Pakistani forces reportedly retaliated by shelling parts of Indian-administered Kashmir. The tragic events are part of a growing crisis rooted in a recent attack that killed 22 tourists on the Indian side of Kashmir — an incident India blames on Pakistan, though Islamabad strongly denies any involvement.
As fear of war looms, British Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds described the situation as “hugely worrying.” Speaking to the BBC, he said:
“We’re friends to both nations. Our role is not to take sides but to support peace. The UK is ready to help any efforts toward de-escalation — because ultimately, both countries have so much to gain from dialogue, not conflict.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has already reached out to both governments, working alongside global partners in the US and Europe to encourage restraint.
Back in the UK, political figures across the spectrum expressed alarm. Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney and Labour MP Stella Creasy shared their deep concern, while Lord Ahmad, a former Conservative minister, warned starkly: “The potential for war tonight is real.”
The violence has already had devastating consequences. In Pakistan’s Punjab province, a missile strike hit the Subhan Mosque in Bahawalpur, killing 13 people, including a child. Pakistan’s military reported that Indian strikes targeted six sites in both Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab.
India claims it responded to cross-border shelling by Pakistani troops that killed seven civilians and injured 30 in the Poonch district. The Indian army said its response was “proportionate.”
In a fast-moving and uncertain situation, Pakistani officials said their air force shot down five Indian jets, but India has not yet commented.
The UN has urged both sides to show restraint.
“The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan,” said a statement from UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Meanwhile, the UK Foreign Office has issued updated travel warnings, urging British nationals to avoid areas near the India-Pakistan border and Pakistan’s Balochistan province. Flights are also being affected, with Pakistan closing its airspace for at least 48 hours.
As tension grows, the world watches — hoping that behind closed doors, diplomacy can still find a voice stronger than violence.
