Against the backdrop of rising tensions between India and Pakistan over recent purported missile attacks, the G7 countries on Saturday made a vociferous call for de-escalation and restraint at once.
In a joint statement, foreign ministers of the G7 states—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States—as well as the High Representative of the European Union, deplored recent acts of terrorist violence and appealed for calm.
We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, condemn in the strongest terms the abhorrent terrorist attack on April 22 at Pahalgam and call on both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint," the statement said.
Any further escalation of the military conflict threatens the stability of the region. We are gravely concerned for the welfare of civilians on both sides.
The group also called both nuclear neighbours to ease tensions through diplomacy: "We call for de-escalation immediately and urge both nations to work toward a peaceful solution through direct dialogue. We follow developments closely and reaffirm our support for a quick and sustained diplomatic resolution," the statement continued.
The diplomatic request comes as Canada hosts the 2025 G7 Summit between June 15 and 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under its leadership.
At the same time, India's Ministry of Defence confirmed on Saturday that drones—some of which were suspected to be weaponized—were seen at 26 locations along the International Border and Line of Control with Pakistan. The impacted locations are Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet, and Lakhi Nala.
A Defence Ministry official said, "Unfortunately, an armed drone hit a civilian zone in Ferozpur, injuring members of a local family. The victims have been given medical aid and the area has been sanitized by security forces."
The spokesperson also stated that Indian armed forces remain in high state of readiness to respond to air threats: "The Indian armed forces are being kept at high state of preparedness and all such aerial dangers are being detected and dealt with by utilizing the counter-drone systems. The situation is monitored closely and steadily and timely actions are being undertaken wherever it has been felt.
The Ministry also asked citizens, especially those in border districts, to remain indoors, refrain from non-essential travel, and follow all local advisories. "There is no cause for panic," the statement added, "but increased vigilance and caution are necessary."
To counter the increasing security threat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday presided over a high-level meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force Chiefs to assess the changing situation.
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