Mehbooba Mufti Urges India to Lead De-escalation Efforts

Ex-Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti has called on India to assume a leadership role in easing tensions with Pakistan, noting that the nation's greatest strength lies in its soft power and adherence to peace-not nuclear power. In a tweet, Mufti included India, as the world's largest democracy and one of the emerging global powers, should not bet on inconsistency of international support but accept its leadership role in the subcontinent by being the first to initiate de-escalation.

Mufti’s appeal comes amid intense cross-border hostilities and follows diplomatic efforts by the US, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaching out to both the Pakistani Army Chief and India’s External Affairs Minister to urge restraint and encourage the restoration of direct communication to avoid miscalculation. She highlighted that while the US initially signaled limited involvement, the growing intensity of the conflict has prompted renewed international calls for calm.

Talk was also made by Mufti about the risks of extended intervention by the army, maintaining that the steps do not seek to uproot causes of conflict but are merely releasing temporary relief. 

Political action must be taken now, and restraint on both sides is demanded by her, citing that recurrent violence dissolves the security of the civilians and stability in the region.

Mufti’s remarks align with international appeals-including from the G7 nations and the US-for both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint, prioritize dialogue, and work toward a peaceful resolution.