Sir Keir Starmer has called for "dialogue, de-escalation and the protection of civilians" after Pakistan declared India's air strikes an act of war. "Rising tensions between India and Pakistan will be of serious concern for many across Britain," said the PM. "We are engaging urgently with both countries, as well as other international partners, encouraging dialogue, de-escalation and the protection of civilians."
Open conflict erupted between India and Pakistan after New Delhi launched air strikes on nine Pakistani "terrorist infrastructure" sites, some linked to a recent attack that killed 26 Hindu tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. In the worst fighting between the nuclear-armed neighbours in over two decades, Indian forces targeted sites across both Pakistan-administered Kashmir and mainland Pakistan.
Authorities in New Delhi said the strikes were aimed at compounds associated with militant groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.At least 26 civilians were reported killed and 46 injured as India launched "Operation Sindoor"—named after the vermilion-red powder Hindu women apply to the hair parting to signify marriage.
Pakistan claimed its air defences downed five Indian jets during the dawn raids, though Indian officials have not confirmed any losses. Local sources in Indian Kashmir said three Indian fighter jets crashed overnight.
Islamabad labelled the strikes a "blatant act of war" and informed the UN Security Council.
Military spokesman Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry vowed a response “at a time, place and means of our own choosing.”
“All of these engagements have been carried out in self-defence,” he said.
“We will take all steps necessary to defend the honour, integrity, and sovereignty of Pakistan—at all costs.”
Both nations exchanged intense shelling and gunfire across the Line of Control. Police in Indian Kashmir said ten civilians were killed and 48 injured. Pakistani officials reported six civilian deaths.
Indian television networks aired footage showing explosions and plumes of smoke across the night sky in Pakistan-administered areas, though the images could not be independently verified.
In Muzaffarabad, capital of Pakistani-administered Kashmir, the strikes left visible damage at dawn. A mosque in a hillside neighbourhood had been hit, its minaret collapsed.
Flights from Heathrow were diverted, and the Foreign Office warned Britons to stay at least 10 miles from the Line of Control and away from Pakistan’s Balochistan province.
“British nationals should contact their airline for up-to-date information, stay informed through our travel advice and follow local authorities’ guidance,” a statement said.
The crisis follows a militant attack on Hindu pilgrims in Indian-administered Kashmir on 22 April. Indian authorities allege two attackers were Pakistani nationals, a claim Islamabad denies.
Islamabad also denied the existence of militant camps, calling India's assertions false.
“This was not a counter-terrorism operation -it was an attack on innocent lives,” said a Pakistani spokesperson.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India acted on credible intelligence of imminent attacks.
“Our agencies confirmed further attacks were being planned,” he said. “Pre-emptive and precautionary strikes became necessary.”
India stressed it had used precision-guided munitions to avoid civilian casualties. “Our actions have been focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” a spokesperson said. “No Pakistani military sites were targeted.”
Misri added: “The perpetrators of the 22 April attack had to be brought to justice. We are not seeking conflict, but we will defend our people.”
This is not the first time India has responded militarily to terror attacks. In 2016 and 2019, it carried out limited strikes inside Pakistani territory.
But last night, the Indian general who led the 2016 operation said the current escalation marked a significant departure.
Speaking to the Express, General Deependra Singh Hooda said: “When I planned the 2016 operations, it was a limited ground incursion into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir targeting camps close to the Line of Control. It involved Special Forces. The difference between that and today is enormous.
“India has made clear that major terrorist attacks from Pakistan are no longer acceptable. If limited strikes like those in 2016 and 2019 haven’t worked, the focus must shift to the leadership of these groups.
“There’s a growing belief that taking out foot soldiers is no longer enough. If we want to stop this, we have to strike at the fountainhead wherever they are, using whatever means are available.”
He added that any Pakistani retaliation had already been “factored in” by India.
Diplomatic efforts to ease tensions are under way. US President Donald Trump called the fighting “a shame” and said he hoped it would “end quickly.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged both sides to keep lines of communication open.
A UN delegation has reportedly arrived in Pakistani-administered Kashmir to assess the situation.
Attention is also turning to the role of China and Russia, both of which have strategic ties to the region.
Islamabad has remained in close contact with Beijing since the April attack.
Last night, Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar briefed Chinese ambassador Jiang Zaidong on the strikes. “This is a serious violation of our sovereignty,” Dar said.
China, heavily invested in Pakistan, called India’s strikes “regrettable” but urged calm. Analysts noted Beijing’s leverage may be limited.
Russia, meanwhile, has remained largely silent. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to more than a dozen world leaders in the days after the April 22 attack, but it was a week before Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov contacted his Indian counterpart.
General Hooda noted: “China has deep investments in Pakistan and may continue to supply support. But I don’t see them escalating tensions along the India-China border.”
Regional analyst Kyle Orton said: “Russia is preoccupied with Ukraine, and China has its eye on Taiwan. Both want to avoid being pulled into South Asia.
“Beijing may try to restrain Pakistan, but its influence only goes so far. Like with Russia in Ukraine, if conflict escalates, China could recalibrate.”
