An Independent MP has urged the UK government to adopt a neutral and balanced approach as tensions between India and Pakistan escalated dramatically overnight, resulting in dozens of civilian deaths and widespread fear among British South Asian communities.

India claimed it launched a targeted missile and air strike operation on nine sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in the early hours of Wednesday, stating it had acted on “credible intelligence” to strike militant positions. The offensive, which lasted just 25 minutes between 01:05 and 01:30 local time (19:35–20:00 GMT Tuesday), jolted residents awake with thunderous explosions across the region.

Pakistan, which reported that six locations were struck, said it had shot down five Indian fighter jets and a drone, claims India has not confirmed. Islamabad also reported that 26 people were killed and 46 injured as a result of Indian air strikes and shelling along the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border between the two nations. India, in turn, stated that 10 of its civilians were killed by Pakistani shelling.

The military confrontation comes in the wake of a deadly terrorist attack on 22 April in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 tourists were killed. India has blamed Pakistan-based militants and external actors for the attack. Pakistan has rejected the accusations, saying New Delhi has yet to present any evidence.

Independent Member of Parliament for Dewsbury and Batley, Iqbal Mohamed (pictured above), condemned the Pahalgam attack and voiced concern over the intensifying conflict during an exchange in Parliament with Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Minister Hamish Falconer.

Mohamed said: “I have thousands of both Kashmiri and Indian constituents, I myself am of Indian heritage, and they are absolutely terrified by what they saw last night. They’ve been glued to their screens, worrying about their loved ones. Can the Minister reassure my constituents that whatever diplomatic steps the UK takes will be neutral, impartial, and prioritise peace and stability in the region?”

Minister Falconer acknowledged the gravity of the situation and said the government would continue to push for de-escalation while ensuring any diplomatic engagement considered the UK’s interests and maintained a balanced stance between “two great friends to this country.”

Foreign Secretary David Lammy also weighed in, describing the current tensions as a “serious concern” and calling on both nations to “show restraint and engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward.”

Lammy reaffirmed the UK’s condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and said restoring regional stability must be the priority. “The safety of British nationals in the region will always be our priority,” he said, urging people in affected areas to follow Foreign Office travel guidance.