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Nepal has reaffirmed its solidarity in the fight against terrorism, as it condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, which killed several innocent tourists, including a Nepali national. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, the Government of Nepal expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the April 22 attack. 

Nepal recalled standing in solidarity with India during the tragic period, united in grief and suffering. Reiterating its firm stance, Nepal described the assault as a “barbaric terrorist attack” and underlined its unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. “Nepal stands together with all in the fight against terrorism,” the statement said.

The Ministry emphasized that Nepal, in line with its principled foreign policy, would not allow any inimical forces to exploit its territory to harm neighboring countries. Urging restraint from all sides, Nepal called for the de-escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan and stressed its dedication to promoting lasting peace and regional stability in South Asia.

Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's commitment to collaborating with Russia to protect the United Nations authority and protect developing nation’s interests from bullying and unilateralism during his official visit to Russia.

In talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, Xi emphasized the shared responsibility of both nations as permanent members of the UN Security Council. He advocated for collaborative efforts to promote a fair interpretation of World War II history, a multipolar international order, and inclusive, balanced globalization, according to Xinhua.

Xi is in Moscow to attend events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War.

The UAE has established a backchannel to facilitate indirect talks between Syria and Israel, Reuters reported.

The conversations, which began during Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa's visit to the UAE on April 13, are focused on intelligence and security coordination between the two nations, which do not have formal diplomatic connections.Throughout a visit to Paris, President Sharaa acknowledged the indirect negotiations and urged Israel-friendly states to call for a halt to Israeli hostilities in Syria.

Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE's Assistant Foreign Minister, denied any formal engagement in mediation.

According to Reuters, the channel involves UAE and Syrian security officers, as well as former Israeli intelligence agents. Syrian and Israeli officials have not responded, and it is unknown whether the channel was used following recent Israeli strikes near Damascus.

Nepal has intensified security measures in response to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, with particular focus on border areas, airports and other sensitive areas.

The tension surged following India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ in which it airstroke on nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir on early Wednesday in a retaliatory action following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people including one Nepali citizen. 

The Indian army has said that artillery firing by Pakistan has led to the deaths of 15 civilians and injured 43 since Tuesday night. It said that the shelling hit civilian areas in Poonch and Tangdar in Indian-administered Kashmir. Pakistan has said 26 people have been killed in the air strikes and cross-border firing.

Amid concerns over regional instability, Nepal’s Armed Police Force (APF) has been placed on high alert, particularly along the open Nepal-India border, to prevent illegal cross-border movement. APF Deputy Spokesperson DSP Shailendra Thapa said 24-hour patrols have been deployed between border outposts, and joint surveillance and intelligence-sharing with India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) have been intensified.

Special directives have been issued to battalion commanders, and identity checks are being strictly enforced. The APF is also coordinating with Nepal Police, the National Investigation Department, local representatives and the public to monitor border activity and prevent unauthorized movement.

Meanwhile, the Secretariat meeting of the National Security Council, chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, has decided to step up surveillance at Tribhuvan International Airport and other key entry points. Defense Secretary Rameshwar Dangal said the council assessed the potential impacts of the India-Pakistan conflict on Nepal and discussed enhancing internal preparedness, coordination and intelligence sharing. “The focus is on safeguarding national security and preparing for possible challenges,” he said in a press statement issued following the meeting of the Secretariat.

The safety of Nepali citizens in both India and Pakistan was also a key concern. The committee resolved to monitor their situation through diplomatic channels. During Wednesday’s parliamentary session, lawmakers expressed concern over the growing conflict and urged the government to protect the rights and welfare of Nepalis living abroad, especially in India and Pakistan. 

Internationally, the United Nations and several world leaders have called on both countries to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue to avoid a broader military conflict. A spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he is “very concerned about the Indian military operations across the Line of Control and international border.” Stéphane Dujarric added: “He (The UN chief) calls for maximum military restraint from both countries. The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”

Asked about the Indian strikes, US President Donald Trump replied: “It’s a shame.” Speaking at the White House in Washington DC, he said that “we just heard about it just as we were walking in the doors of the Oval (Office).” “I just hope it ends very quickly,” Trump added. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said on X that he is monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan closely. He echoed the US president’s comments “that this hopefully ends quickly.” He also said that he would continue to engage with both Indian and Pakistani leadership “towards a peaceful resolution.”

The Chinese foreign ministry has called India’s military operation against Pakistan “regrettable”. In response to a question on escalating tensions between the South Asian rivals, the foreign ministry spokesperson said they were “concerned” about the ongoing situation and asked both countries to “remain calm, exercise restraint and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation.”

Russia’s foreign ministry has said in a statement that it is “deeply concerned about the deepening military confrontation” between India and Pakistan. It has urged the countries to show restraint. “Russia strongly condemns acts of terrorism, opposes any of its manifestations and emphasizes the need to unite the efforts of the entire international community to effectively combat this evil,” the statement said. “It is hoped that the existing disagreements between Delhi and Islamabad can be resolved through peaceful means, with Russia advocating for a bilateral resolution,” it added.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has said that current tensions between India and Pakistan are a “serious concern.” “The UK government is urging India and Pakistan to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward,” he said in a statement on Wednesday. Lammy said the UK had a close and unique relationship with both countries. “I have made clear to my counterparts in India and Pakistan that if this escalates further, nobody wins,” he said. “The UK was clear in its condemnation of the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam last month. We need all sides to work urgently to see regional stability restored and ensure protection of civilians,” he added.

Pakistan said it had rejected India’s claims of terrorist camps on its soil, reiterating that the allegations were baseless. “It would also be recalled that immediately after 22 April 2025, Pakistan made a sincere offer for a credible, transparent and neutral investigation, which unfortunately was not accepted,” the statement issued after Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) meeting chaired by PM Shehbaz Sharif said. It added that international media visited the alleged “terrorist camps” on May 6 and more visits had been scheduled. However, without providing a shred of evidence about its claims, India had gone ahead and attacked “innocent civilians in order to satiate its... short-sighted political objectives,” the statement said.

With inputs from Agencies