‘We urge India and Pakistan to resolve their differences through bilateral political dialogue,’ EC spokesperson Anouni said.

On Wednesday, the European Commission (EC) called on India and Pakistan to resolve their differences without resorting to military action.

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This appeal comes at a time of heightened tension between the two Asian countries following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that left 26 dead in Indian-administered Kashmir.

“We urge India and Pakistan to resolve their differences through bilateral political dialogue in the interest of regional peace and stability. This should be done with due consideration for the interests of the Kashmiri population on both sides of the Line of Control,” said EC spokesperson Anouar El Anouni.

He stated that it is “crucial” to exercise restraint and refrain from taking military, political, economic, legal, or other measures that could undermine regional stability. “We hope that communication channels remain open as a way to reduce tensions and resolve differences in line with the relevant UN resolution,” he added.

“The European Union has consistently emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution of the situation based on dialogue and engagement, and this is especially important following this terrorist attack,” El Anouni said, referring to the attack in Pahalgam.

India and Pakistan, rival powers since their independence from the British Empire, are currently experiencing one of the highest levels of bilateral tension since 2019, after 26 civilians were killed in a terrorist attack in a tourist area of Indian-administered Kashmir, which New Delhi blames on Islamabad.

In retaliation for the attack, the Indian government enacted a series of measures against Pakistan, including the expulsion of diplomats, the revocation of visas for Pakistanis in India, the closure of its land border with the neighboring country, and the unilateral suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty — a key agreement between the two nations that had withstood previous bilateral crises.

On Tuesday, Pakistan’s Deputy Minister for Legal Affairs, Aqeel Malik, said that Islamabad is “exploring all legal options” to respond to the suspension of the treaty, which it views as an “act of war.” For its part, Pakistan expelled Indian diplomats, revoked certain visas for Indians, closed its airspace to Indian airlines, and shut down its land border.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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