Iraq urges restraint, dialogue between Pakistan and India following Kashmir attack

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday expressed concern over the latest escalation in relations between Pakistan and India following the attack in Pahalgam, located in the disputed Kashmir region.

In a formal statement, the ministry urged both countries to “exercising maximum restraint and avoiding any retaliatory measures that could exacerbate the crisis.”

Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated following a deadly militant attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians, mostly Hindu tourists. India has attributed the attack to The Resistance Front, a group linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, alleging cross-border support. Pakistan has denied involvement and called for a neutral investigation. In response, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and closed its borders to Pakistani nationals. Pakistan has reciprocated by suspending visas for Indians, closing its airspace to Indian airlines, and expelling Indian diplomats.

Full statement from Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Iraq:

The Foreign Ministry is following with great concern the latest escalation in relations between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, following the attack in Pahalgam, in the disputed region of Kashmir.

In this context, the Ministry stresses the importance of exercising maximum restraint and avoiding any retaliatory measures that could exacerbate the crisis.

The Foreign Ministry underlines that the permanent solution to the differences between the two countries is through direct dialogue and resorting to diplomatic means, in accordance with the principles of international law and United Nations resolutions. In this connection the Ministry supports regional and international efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and maintaining stability in the region.

The Foreign Ministry appreciates the efforts made to de-escalate the crisis

Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Iraq

April 30, 2025