On May 7, 2025, India launched a major military operation, termed “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This action came as a direct response to the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, where 26 Indian tourists lost their lives. The airstrikes marked a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The operation has had far-reaching consequences, both regionally and globally, and has elicited a variety of reactions from countries and international organizations worldwide. While some countries have strongly backed India’s right to self-defense, others have called for restraint and dialogue to avoid a larger conflict.
Israel’s Unwavering Support
Israel has been one of the strongest supporters of India’s military actions. Israel and India share a deepening strategic relationship, especially in defense and counterterrorism cooperation. The Israeli government swiftly expressed its solidarity with India’s right to defend itself from terrorist attacks. Reuven Azar, Israel’s Ambassador to India, made it clear that Israel stands firmly with India in its fight against terrorism. “Israel supports India’s right to self-defense. Terrorists should know that there is no place for their crimes to be hidden,” he remarked. Israel’s support is not just diplomatic; it also reflects the close counterterrorism intelligence-sharing between the two nations. This collaboration has proven critical in addressing shared security challenges, especially in the realm of combating cross-border terrorism.
Israel’s position on this issue reflects the broader alignment between the two countries when it comes to fighting terrorism. Over the years, both India and Israel have faced similar threats and have often found themselves at odds with Pakistan’s support for militant groups that target their sovereignty. Israel’s stance strengthens the diplomatic relationship between the two countries and reinforces the notion that India is not alone in its fight against terrorism.
The United States: A Call for Restraint
While the United States acknowledged India’s right to defend itself, it also called for restraint and dialogue between India and Pakistan. U.S. President Donald Trump, through a statement issued by the White House, expressed his condolences to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and reaffirmed America’s support for India’s counterterrorism efforts. However, the United States also urged both India and Pakistan to de-escalate the situation. “We urge both nations to exercise restraint and seek peaceful solutions to avoid further bloodshed,” Trump said.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this sentiment, stating that while India’s actions were a legitimate response to terrorism, the risk of a broader conflict in the region remained high. The U.S. is deeply invested in maintaining peace in South Asia and preventing a military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed nations. The fear is that a misstep or miscalculation by either country could spiral into a full-scale war, with catastrophic consequences for the region and the world. Consequently, the U.S. has pushed for diplomatic engagement and stronger international pressure on both India and Pakistan to return to the negotiating table.
The United Kingdom: Diplomatic Engagement
The United Kingdom’s reaction to Operation Sindoor has been somewhat similar to that of the U.S. The UK government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, quickly expressed concern over the military escalation but also recognized India’s right to respond to terrorism. The British government issued a statement calling for both sides to avoid further military actions and engage in dialogue to resolve the tensions peacefully. “We strongly urge both India and Pakistan to de-escalate and work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict,” said British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
The UK’s call for restraint reflects its broader foreign policy objectives in South Asia. As a former colonial power in the region, the UK has longstanding relationships with both India and Pakistan, and it has often acted as a mediator in past conflicts. The British government has also emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation to prevent further violence in the region. Given its historical ties and its role in global diplomacy, the UK has sought to be a key player in any peace-building efforts.
Russia: An Appeal for Dialogue
Russia, which maintains a close relationship with India, has taken a slightly more neutral stance in its reaction to Operation Sindoor. While Russia reiterated its support for India’s right to protect its citizens, it also underscored the importance of dialogue to avoid a major conflict. The Russian government expressed concerns over the potential for further escalation in the region and called for both India and Pakistan to return to diplomatic channels. “The situation is critical, and we appeal to both sides to prioritize dialogue and restraint,” said Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
Russia’s position reflects its broader diplomatic strategy of fostering stability in South Asia. While India remains a key partner for Russia, particularly in defense and energy, Russia has also sought to maintain positive relations with Pakistan. As a member of the United Nations Security Council, Russia has a vested interest in promoting peace and security in the region. Its call for dialogue is a reminder that military escalation is not in the best interest of regional or global stability.
China: A Regrettable Action and Calls for Restraint
China, a close ally of Pakistan, has been one of the most vocal critics of India’s military strikes. The Chinese government has condemned the operation, calling it “regrettable” and urging both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint. The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed its concern about the potential for the conflict to escalate further, particularly in light of the ongoing instability in the region. “We are deeply concerned about the situation and strongly urge both sides to avoid further military actions,” said the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
China’s reaction is not surprising given its strategic ties with Pakistan, particularly in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a massive infrastructure project linking the two countries. China has consistently supported Pakistan on issues related to Kashmir and has sought to balance its growing ties with India with its traditional partnership with Pakistan. The Chinese government’s call for restraint highlights the delicate balancing act China faces in managing its relationships with both India and Pakistan.
The United Arab Emirates: A Call for De-escalation
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), another key player in the region, has also expressed concern over the escalation between India and Pakistan. The UAE issued a statement calling for maximum restraint from both sides, emphasizing the need for diplomacy and dialogue. The UAE, which has strong economic and political ties with India, has often positioned itself as a mediator in regional conflicts. It has offered to facilitate discussions between India and Pakistan to help de-escalate the situation.
The UAE’s appeal for restraint underscores its broader foreign policy approach of fostering stability in the Middle East and South Asia. As a major regional power, the UAE has a strong interest in maintaining peace in its neighborhood and preventing conflicts that could spill over into the Gulf region.
The United Nations: Appeals for Maximum Restraint
The United Nations has voiced its concern about the situation and called for maximum military restraint. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged both India and Pakistan to refrain from further military action and to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. “The situation is fragile, and it is crucial that both sides avoid actions that could lead to further loss of life and destabilize the region,” Guterres stated. The UN has also emphasized the importance of upholding international law and ensuring the protection of civilians.
Conclusion: A Delicate Path Forward
The global reactions to India’s “Operation Sindoor” reflect a complex mix of support for India’s right to self-defense and calls for restraint and dialogue. While countries like Israel and the UAE have expressed solidarity with India, urging it to act decisively in the face of terrorism, others, such as China and Russia, have taken a more cautious approach, emphasizing the need for diplomacy and de-escalation. The United States, the UK, and the UN have also called for restraint, stressing the importance of avoiding further escalation and focusing on peacebuilding.
As tensions remain high, the path forward will require careful diplomacy from all parties involved. The international community’s efforts to mediate and prevent a larger conflict will be crucial in determining the future stability of the region. The situation remains fragile, and only through dialogue and international cooperation can the risk of full-scale war between India and Pakistan be averted.
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