Amid the rising tension between India and Pakistan, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo talked about the "urgency of Pakistan taking meaningful action against terrorist groups operating on its soil" and underscored the "priority of de-escalating current tensions by avoiding military action".
France in a late night release backed the Indian move. A release by the French foreign ministry said, "France recognises India's legitimacy to ensure its security against cross-border terrorism" and asked, "Pakistan to put an end to the operations of terrorist groups established on its territory."
Paris said it "stands by India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms".
Australian foreign minister in a release said, "Pakistan must take urgent and meaningful action against terrorist groups in its territory, including Jaish-e-Mohammed".
The United Kingdom also said its "concerned by rising tensions". While asking both India and Pakistan to avoid taking action that poses risk to regional stability, London said its working closely with international partners, including in the "United Nations Security Council (UNSC), to ensure that those responsible for the Pulwama attack are held to account."
Beijing has also reacted and asked both the countries to exercise restraint. Reacting to a question, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said, "A harmonious relationship between the two is crucial to regional peace, stability and development and serves the interests of India and Pakistan fundamentally."
The Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistani foreign minister spoke to US secretary of state in the aftermath of Indian strikes.
