Following the deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir's Pahalgam, India launched "Operation Sindoor," targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, which involved precision strikes on nine sites, has elicited a range of reactions from world leaders.
United States:
- President Donald Trump: Acknowledged the long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan, expressing hope for a swift resolution. He stated, "It's a shame...They've been fighting for a long time...I hope it ends very quickly".
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio: Stated he was closely monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan and echoed President Trump's hope for a quick end to the hostilities. He also mentioned that Washington would continue to engage both countries towards a peaceful resolution. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval briefed Rubio on the developments following the strikes.
United Nations:
- Secretary-General António Guterres: Expressed serious concern regarding the Indian military operations across the Line of Control and the international border. His spokesperson conveyed the Secretary-General's call for maximum military restraint from both India and Pakistan, emphasizing that "the world cannot afford a military confrontation" between the two nations.
Pakistan:
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif: Termed the attack on terror camps an "act of war". The Pakistan Army also stated that India launched air strikes and vowed to respond to the attack.
Other Nations:
- Israel: Expressed its support for "India's right for self-defense".
India:
- Political Parties: The Congress party has voiced its support for the armed forces, emphasizing national unity and solidarity. Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress President, affirmed India's unwavering national policy against terrorism originating from Pakistan and PoK. AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi welcomed the strikes on terror camps and called for the complete dismantling of Pakistan's terror infrastructure.
- Government Officials: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister hailed the Indian Army's actions. Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren also lauded "Operation Sindoor". Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said that the operation sent a message that India would not tolerate any threat to its unity and peace.
- Former Military Officials: Former Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd) stated that the strikes targeted terrorist infrastructure and were a response to the Pahalgam attack.
- Victims' Families: Arathy, daughter of N. Ramachandran, who was killed in the Pahalgam attack, welcomed "Operation Sindoor" and hoped it would bring relief to the families of the victims.
The Indian government has stated that the strikes were "focused, measured, and non-escalatory" and that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted. The strikes were a response to the terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the death of 26 civilians. India has reached out to several countries, including the US, Russia, and the UK, to brief them on the military action.
