Türkiye extends full support to Pakistan, denounces India’s cross-border attacks

Türkiye has strongly condemned what it described as India’s unprovoked aggression against Pakistan, voicing firm support for Islamabad and calling for calm in the face of rapidly rising tensions in South Asia.

In a diplomatic outreach on May 7, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a telephone conversation with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to express Ankara’s “grave concern” over the regional security situation following Indian missile and artillery attacks on Pakistani territory, Caliber.Az reports, citing Pakistani media.

According to a statement released by the Pakistani Prime Minister’s Office, Fidan assured Dar of Türkiye’s unwavering support. “We are deeply concerned about the escalation and the tragic loss of innocent lives in Pakistan,” said Fidan, while emphasising Türkiye’s respect for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact as the situation unfolds. Both sides underscored the importance of regional stability and called on all parties to exercise restraint to avoid further deterioration.

In a separate move, the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan held an emergency meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Dar in Islamabad. During the meeting, the ambassador reiterated Türkiye’s condemnation of the Indian strikes and extended condolences for the civilian casualties. He stressed the need for global attention to the violation of Pakistan’s airspace and the resulting loss of life, reaffirming Ankara’s support for Pakistan.

Pakistan welcomed Türkiye’s message of solidarity and reiterated its commitment to peace while asserting its right to respond to acts of aggression. "Pakistan remains committed to peace but reserves the right to respond to any aggression," Islamabad reiterated.

Meanwhile, Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a formal statement urging both India and Pakistan to de-escalate the crisis and engage in diplomacy. “Türkiye urges both countries to act with restraint and prioritise peace in the region,” the statement said.

China joins Türkiye in calling for calm

China has also expressed deep concern over the intensifying conflict between India and Pakistan, urging both nuclear-armed neighbours to avoid any further escalation.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs described India’s recent military actions against Pakistan as “regrettable,” reiterating Beijing’s consistent stance in support of peace and stability in South Asia.

“We are seriously concerned about the evolving situation in South Asia,” a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said during a regular press briefing. “We urge both Pakistan and India to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from taking steps that may aggravate the conflict.”

The spokesperson emphasised the necessity of resolving differences through dialogue and diplomacy, adding: “Peace must be given a chance first.”

Beijing’s comments came amid reports of heightened military activity along the Line of Control (LoC), where Pakistan claimed to have shot down several Indian fighter jets—including Rafale and Sukhoi models—in what it described as a “timely and proportionate response” to Indian violations of its airspace.

By Tamilla Hasanova