India and Pakistan: letter from First Minister

Dear friends,

I wanted to write to you in light of the recent tensions between India and Pakistan following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

For many in the community, this may be a worrying time, and my thoughts are with those who have family and friends in the region. Scotland’s Indian and Pakistani communities enrich Scotland socially, culturally, and economically.

I have called upon leaders in the region to choose dialogue, diplomacy, and shared humanity ahead of force and bloodshed. There can be no winners from further military escalation. Protecting civilians is urgent and paramount.

My officials are in contact with various stakeholders in the communities, as well as with Police Scotland, Universities Scotland, and diplomatic missions.  I would urge you to support that dialogue and bring to us any concerns you hear from Scotland’s Indian and Pakistani communities.

The UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is keeping its travel advice under constant review, and I would urge anyone in the region to monitor it closely.

As First Minister, the government I lead will do everything it can to support and unite all of Scotland’s communities. Scottish Government officials will continue to monitor the situation closely.

I would be happy to discuss the situation with you in person.

JOHN SWINNEY