Japan Calls for Calm Amid Kashmir Tensions, Reaffirms Commitment to Peace

IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan

New Delhi/Tokyo, May 7, 2025

As tensions rise once again in South Asia, Japan has stepped forward with a message of deep concern and a heartfelt appeal for peace. Following a terrorist attack in Kashmir on April 22 and a retaliatory strike by India on May 7, Japan has urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and and stabilize the situation through dialogue for the peace and stability in South Asia.

Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi, in a official statement and a subsequent phone call with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, reaffirmed Japan’s strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms. “Terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances,” Iwaya emphasized, expressing sincere condolences to the victims and sympathies to those injured in the Kashmir attack.

Japan, he noted, is deeply troubled by the potential for these recent developments to spiral into wider violence. “We are seriously concerned that the current series of actions could lead to reprisals and escalate into a full-scale military conflict,” said Iwaya.

In their conversation, Minister Jaishankar shared India’s perspective on the unfolding situation. While Japan acknowledged India’s right to security and a fair investigation, it also reiterated the importance of diplomatic channels and peaceful negotiation.

Japan has committed to closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of its nationals in the region. More broadly, Japan's message underscores its ongoing role as a voice of calm and diplomacy in global affairs.

At a time when the specter of conflict looms, Japan’s call is clear: peace must prevail, not just for the region, but for the shared future of all nations.