ISTANBUL

The G7 issued a joint statement with the EU on Friday that condemned the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, India, and urged India and Pakistan to exercise "maximum restraint" to avoid further military escalation.

The statement, released by the G7 foreign ministers, along with the High Representative of the EU, described the attack as "egregious" and warned that continued tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors "pose a serious threat to regional stability."

The ministers expressed deep concern for "the safety of civilians on both sides" of the contested border region.

"We call for immediate de-escalation and encourage both countries to engage in direct dialogue towards a peaceful outcome," they said.

"We continue to monitor events closely and express our support for a swift and lasting diplomatic resolution," they added.

The G7 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated this week after India announced "Operation Sindoor" late Tuesday, saying it struck "terrorist infrastructure" at nine locations in Pakistan.

The Pakistani military said 31 victims were killed in the Indian missile attacks and cross-border firing in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

At least 16 people were killed along the Line of Control in the Indian-administered Kashmir, according to officials.