Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following India's military strikes, dubbed "Operation Sindoor," on alleged terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. In response to these developments, US President Donald Trump has urged both nations to cease hostilities and offered assistance in de-escalating the conflict.
Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian Armed Forces as a direct response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, mostly Indian tourists. India has asserted that the strikes targeted nine terror camps linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and Hizbul Mujahideen, and that the action was "focused, measured, and non-escalatory". They affirmed that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted. The strikes were reportedly conducted between 1:05 AM and 1:30 AM Indian Standard Time.
Pakistan has condemned the strikes as an "act of war," stating that they resulted in the deaths of at least 31 people, including women and children, and left 57 injured. Pakistan's military claims to have retaliated by shooting down five Indian fighter jets and destroying Indian brigade headquarters and checkposts along the Line of Control (LoC). However, these claims remain unverified. Pakistan has also accused India of targeting civilians and population centers.
In the wake of these events, President Trump stated, "It's so terrible. I get along with both. I know both very well, and I want to see them work it out. I want to see them stop. They've gone tit-for-tat, so hopefully, they can stop now". He further added, "We get along with both countries very well, good relationships with both, and I want to see it stop. And if I can do anything to help, I will be there".
The US administration has taken steps to address the situation, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly speaking to his counterparts from India and Pakistan to encourage dialogue and de-escalation. However, Trump initially downplayed the crisis, referring to the long-standing tensions between the two nations.
India has briefed key global allies on the rationale behind Operation Sindoor, with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval engaging with counterparts in major world capitals. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has also spoken to his counterparts from Japan, Germany, France, and Spain to apprise them of the situation.
Amid rising tensions, several countries have issued travel advisories. Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised its citizens to defer all non-essential travel to Pakistan and the Jammu & Kashmir region in India. France has also expressed concern and called for de-escalation and the protection of civilians.
