UK Urges Calm as India–Pakistan Crisis Stirs Concerns at Home
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has urged India and Pakistan “to show restraint” and restore regional stability, after Indian military strikes targeted locations inside Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
The government described the current tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours as a “serious concern.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called for “deescalation” amid rising tensions, as he addressed MPs on Wednesday.
“We are engaging urgently with both countries as well as other international partners, encouraging dialogue, deescalation, and the protection of civilians,” Starmer said.
The Foreign Office echoed the appeal, urging both sides “to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward.”
India said the military action was intended to “preempt” and “deter” cross-border terror attacks.
The escalation comes after the killing of Hindu tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir last month. Pakistan has rejected India’s accusations that it harbours terrorist camps, calling the claims “unfounded.”
Impact on British Communities
England and Wales are home to 1.9 million Indians and 1.6 million Pakistanis.
Debating the issue in the House of Commons on Wednesday, MPs called on the government to use the UK’s “uniquely deep, historic, and influential relationship” with India and Pakistan to deescalate the crisis.
Louie French, Conservative MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, whose constituency includes many Indian and Nepali residents, urged the government to ensure that tensions abroad do not spill over into the UK.
He called on ministers to “ensure that none of this escalation of tensions in that part of the world happens here in the UK, and ensure that Hindu temples in particular are offered the same funding and security that is given to mosques around the country.”
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer acknowledged the issue’s sensitivity for British Pakistani and Indian communities and praised them for making “a huge contribution to this country.”
“We recognise this will be a difficult time for many. We look to all community and faith leaders to spread a message that now is time for coming together across religious and ethnic differences,” he said.
Falconer added that he had been in contact with the minister for faith and communities and was discussing these matters in light of their relevance to local constituencies.
Green Party MP Ellie Chowns asked for assurances that UK-manufactured weapons and military equipment have not been used in attacks against civilians.
In response, Falconer said that Britain has “some of the toughest arms export rules in the world and they will be fully adhered to in this case.”
History of Unrest
The exchange in Parliament comes as protesters are set to converge on the High Commission of India in London in support of Pakistan.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police will be in attendance to ensure the protest passes peacefully.
A spokesperson for the Met told The Epoch Times: “We’re aware of a planned protest outside the Indian High Commission this evening. Officers will be deployed to ensure it takes place peacefully and that any incidents or offences are swiftly dealt with.”
In August 2022, riots erupted in Leicester following an India–Pakistan cricket match, stoking tensions between some British Hindu and Muslim communities.
In September that year, the unrest spread to Birmingham. Nearly 200 Muslim men were filmed protesting outside the Durga Bhawan Temple in Smethwick against the appearance of controversial Hindu nationalist speaker Sadhvi Rithambara.
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has acknowledged the impact of the conflict on diaspora communities, calling for peaceful expression of views.
“The escalating situation between India and Pakistan is deeply concerning. We urge both nations to show restraint and pursue peace, not war. Dialogue is the only path to a lasting resolution.
“Here in the UK, we must unite, upholding our shared values of peace and respect. The MCB urges community leaders to take proactive steps in working with local authorities to safeguard public safety and uphold community harmony. In these tense times, we must all play our part,” said Maswood Ahmed, the deputy secretary general of the MCB.
