“OPERATION SINDOOR”, India’s tactical military response to the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack, this morning has drawn reactions from leaders across India and indeed, the world.
What happened?
The pre-dawn strikes jointly carried out by all three branches of the Armed Forces hit terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. A statement from the Ministry of Defence said that “nine sites have been targeted” with the “actions being focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature”. Furthermore, no Pakistani military facilities have been targeted.
What did the Union Home Minister and EAM say?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted that he is “proud of our armed forces for the befitting response” and added that “the Modi government is resolved to give a befitting response to any attack on India and its people”.
Defending India’s actions, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar added that “the world must show zero tolerance for terrorism”.
What did Donald Trump say?
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, when asked for his response, called it “a shame" and that he hopes “it ends very quickly”.
The US State Department on X said that NSA and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken to the National Security Advisors from India and Pakistan and urged both nations to keep lines of communication open and avoid escalation.
What did China say?
Neighbouring China too called on both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and put peace and stability first. China’s foreign ministry called India’s military operation early this morning “regrettable” but added that “China opposes all forms of terrorism".
What did the United Nations say?
A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that he “is very concerned” and added that “the world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan"
What did fellow Quad member Japan say?
Quad member Japan via its Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said that Japan is concerned Operation Sindoor may lead to “further retaliatory exchanges and escalate into a full-scale military conflict” and called to “stabilise the situation through dialogue".
What did the UAE say?
Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions and avoid further escalations.
What did Israel say?
Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, on X reiterated “India's right for self defence” and warned that “terrorists should know there's no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent".
What did Pakistan PM Sharif say?
Meanwhile Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Operation Sindoor on X and said that the “ treacherous enemy’s cowardly attack will not go unpunished”. He reiterated that “Pakistan reserves the absolute right to respond decisively which is “already underway”.
