Belgium urges India, Pakistan to avoid further escalation

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Belgium on Wednesday urged India and Pakistan to avoid further escalation following the deadly Pahalgam attack late April and subsequent military clashes between the two countries.

"Tensions between India and Pakistan are of great concern," Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said on X, noting that Brussels follows the situation closely.

"I call on both parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation, through dialogue and diplomatic channels," Prevot said.

India said late Tuesday that it struck Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, targeting "terrorist infrastructure" at nine sites.

Pakistan said India hit six locations, and 31 victims were killed and 57 others injured in the strikes and cross-border firing along the Line of Control -- the de facto border.

The escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors comes in the wake of an April 22 attack in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 victims were killed.

India blamed Pakistan for the attack, claiming there were cross-border links. Pakistan denied it had anything to do with the killings and called for a neutral probe.

Both countries also took a string of measures against each other after the last month's attack, including the suspension of visas and expulsion of diplomats. India also suspended a crucial water-sharing agreement with Pakistan.