Border blaze: India-Pakistan clash sparks global alarm

Pakistan says 5 Indian jets shot down after Indian strikes across its territory; international community urges nuclear rivals to step back from the brink

ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI (MNTV) — Pakistan claimed on Wednesday to have downed five Indian fighter jets in retaliation for a wave of missile strikes launched by India on at least nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Pakistan’s military quickly confirmed the strikes had occurred, stating they were launched from Indian airspace and targeted civilian areas.

At a 4 a.m. briefing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that at least 26 civilians had been killed, including a 3-year-old girl, with 46 others wounded.

Pakistan launched retaliatory action and claimed to have brought down five Indian jets.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the first two were downed around 2:45 a.m., with confirmation of a Rafale jet and two other aircraft following within the next few hours.

At a press conference held at dawn, Tarar asserted that Indian forces had waved a white flag at the Line of Control (LoC), a symbolic act he interpreted as “accepting defeat”.

The developments prompted an emergency meeting of Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC).

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, following the meeting, said Pakistan’s armed forces were authorised to take “corresponding actions” and warned that Islamabad reserves the right to respond at a “time, place and manner of its choosing.”

India, meanwhile, defended its operation as a “measured military response” to the Pahalgam killings.

The Indian Defence Ministry stated that the strikes were aimed at ensuring “those responsible for the terror attack are held accountable.”

New Delhi has consistently blamed Pakistan-based elements for the massacre, an allegation that Islamabad has firmly denied. India has also so far provided no evidence to back its claim.

Indian luaunched strikes shortly after 1 a.m. local time and dubbed “Operation Sindoor.”

The Indian military said it launched 24 cruise missile strikes targeting Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bahawalpur, Rawalakot, Chakswari, Bhimber, Neelum Valley, Jhelum, and Chakwal.

As tensions surged between the nuclear-armed neighbours, global reactions poured in, urging restraint and warning of catastrophic consequences if hostilities deepen.

In Washington, President Donald Trump described the confrontation as a “shame”, adding, “They’ve been fighting for a long time… I just hope it ends very quickly.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. was closely monitoring the situation, and affirmed that Washington would continue engaging both nations for a peaceful resolution. Rubio also held a direct conversation with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, who briefed him on India’s position.

China voiced serious concern over the escalation.

A foreign ministry spokesperson urged both countries to “prioritise peace and stability” and “exercise restraint.” Beijing also expressed willingness to play a “constructive role” in diffusing the crisis.

From Moscow, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it was “deeply concerned by the military confrontation” and called on both nations to “exercise restraint and resolve issues through peaceful, diplomatic means.”

The United Kingdom, meanwhile, offered to support both India and Pakistan in de-escalation efforts.

Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said, “We are a friend and partner to both countries… We stand ready to support dialogue and regional stability.”

The UK also updated its travel advisory, warning nationals against travel near the LoC and border regions.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urge both nations to avoid escalation and protect civilians.

Israel, a close strategic partner of India, fully backed New Delhi’s response.

Ambassador Reuven Azar stated that Israel “supports India’s right to self-defence,” adding that “terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes.”

At the United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep alarm at the escalation and called for “maximum military restraint” from both sides.

“The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan,” his spokesperson warned in a strongly worded statement.

The United Arab Emirates, Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan also urged both countries to “de-escalate tensions”, stressing that diplomacy remains the only path to peace.

With both militaries now on high alert, and airspace violations and cross-border artillery fire continuing into the day, the situation remains fluid and dangerously volatile.

The Line of Control, already one of the world’s most militarised borders, has once again become the epicentre of conflict.

On Wednesday morning, Indian media reported fresh exchanges of fire in Poonch and Kupwara, while Pakistan accused Indian forces of targeting civilian homes in Kotli and Tattapani sectors.

As fears of broader conflict rise, the next moves by New Delhi and Islamabad — and the effectiveness of global diplomacy — could determine whether South Asia steps back from the brink, or plunges deeper into a conflict with devastating consequences.