The recent Pahalgam terror attack and India's response, codenamed "Operation Sindoor," have significantly heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, prompting international concern and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.
On April 22, 2025, a terror attack in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir led to the death of 26 tourists. The attack, reportedly carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), involved the assailants allegedly singling out non-Muslims after asking potential victims to recite the Quran. The incident drew widespread condemnation, with the international community, including the UN, calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
In response to the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025. The operation involved missile strikes targeting what India claimed were terrorist training camps at nine different locations within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. India asserted that the strikes were non-escalatory and aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure. However, Pakistan refuted these claims, stating that the strikes resulted in civilian casualties and were a violation of its sovereignty.
Following the Indian strikes, Pakistan retaliated with its own strikes, targeting Indian military installations. Pakistan also claimed to have shot down five Indian aircraft, a claim that India has not yet responded to. These actions led to a dangerous escalation of hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, raising concerns of a full-blown military conflict.
In the wake of these events, S. Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, has been leading a diplomatic campaign to highlight India's concerns about cross-border terrorism and to garner international support for its actions. Jaishankar, during his visits to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany, has emphasized India's "zero tolerance" for terrorism and its determination to take decisive action against those who perpetrate or support it. He has also made it clear that India will deal with Pakistan bilaterally, without any third-party mediation.
Jaishankar's message has resonated with some countries, including Germany, which has expressed solidarity with India and acknowledged its right to defend itself against terrorism. Germany's Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, condemned the Pahalgam attack and affirmed Germany's support for the fight against terrorism.
In addition to Jaishankar's diplomatic efforts, India has also sent multi-party delegations to various global capitals to convey its concerns about cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. These delegations aim to garner international support for holding Pakistan accountable for its alleged support of terrorist groups.
The Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor have had a significant impact on India-Pakistan relations. India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a long-standing water-sharing agreement between the two countries, and closed the Attari-Wagah border crossing, a major trade and travel route. These actions have further strained bilateral relations and raised concerns about the future of regional stability.
While a ceasefire agreement was reached on May 10, 2025, tensions remain high, and the situation remains volatile. The international community continues to urge both sides to exercise restraint and to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.
