Following India's recent missile strikes on alleged terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, former U.S. President Donald Trump has offered his initial reaction. The strikes, which India has dubbed "Operation Sindoor," were reportedly conducted in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
In a brief statement made to the press, Trump acknowledged the situation, stating, "It's a shame. We just heard about it... They've been fighting for a long time... I just hope it ends very quickly". He also added, "people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past. They've been fighting for a long time, you know, they've been fighting for many, many decades and centuries actually if you really think about it".
The Indian military action and the Modi government's response have been met with strong domestic support. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the operation, while Home Minister Amit Shah affirmed the government's resolve to respond decisively to any attacks on India. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasized the global need for zero tolerance towards terrorism.
Shortly after the strikes, Indian diplomats engaged with their U.S. counterparts to brief them on the situation. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval spoke with his American counterpart and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio later stated on X that Washington would continue to engage with both India and Pakistan to seek a peaceful resolution.
The strikes and their aftermath have elicited a range of reactions from other countries as well. India's partners in the Quad security alliance, including Australia and Japan, have urged both New Delhi and Islamabad to exercise restraint. Israel has characterized "Operation Sindoor" as an act of self-defense, reiterating that terrorists should have nowhere to hide. The United Arab Emirates, a key partner of India in West Asia, also called for restraint from both sides to prevent further escalation. China, while stopping short of fully supporting its ally Pakistan, urged both countries to prioritize peace and stability. The United Nations has also appealed to both nations to de-escalate tensions.
The Indian embassy in the U.S. has been actively communicating New Delhi's position, emphasizing the Pakistan-backed nature of the Pahalgam terror attack and presenting what it says is credible evidence of the involvement of Pakistan-based terrorists. India has expressed its disappointment that instead of taking action against terrorists, Pakistan has resorted to denial and false accusations.
India has asserted that its retaliation has been measured, responsible, and non-escalatory. The international community is closely watching the situation as it unfolds, with a focus on de-escalation and regional stability.