Ajit Doval, Wang Yi discuss Pahalgam attack and ceasefire; China urges restraint, dialogue

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Doval briefed Wang on the recent terror strike in Pahalgam, which resulted in significant Indian casualties.

Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation on Saturday, discussing the regional security situation following the Pahalgam terror attack and the fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Doval briefed Wang on the recent terror strike in Pahalgam, which resulted in significant Indian casualties. He underlined that India's response was part of necessary counter-terrorism actions, but added that “war is not India’s choice” and added India and Pakistan shared an interest in restoring peace and maintaining the ceasefire.

Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, condemned the Pahalgam attack and reaffirmed China’s opposition to all forms of terrorism. He called on both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation.

“India and Pakistan are neighbouring countries that cannot be relocated. Both are also neighbours of China. Peace and stability in Asia are hard-won and must be cherished,” Wang said.

He added that China supports efforts by both nations to resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation, and hopes they achieve a “comprehensive and lasting ceasefire” through negotiations.

However, even as the call took place, tensions flared on the ground.

Government sources told PTI that Pakistan had violated the bilateral ceasefire understanding reached earlier in the day, initiating unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (LoC). Later, during a special press briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Pakistan has broken the ceasefire agreement in the last few hours, and India is responding.

"We call upon Pakistan to take steps to address the violations. Indian Army instructed to deal strongly with any Pakistani violations," Misri said.