On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a significant military operation in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. India’s multi-pronged attack targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, which involved 24 missile strikes, hit nine critical locations associated with terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
The strike took place in the early hours, starting at 1:44 AM, and was marked by India’s utilization of high-precision weaponry such as the SCALP cruise missiles, HAMMER bombs, and loitering munitions. These strikes hit locations including Bahawalpur (JeM’s HQ), Muridke (LeT’s HQ), Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Sialkot, Gulpur, Bhimber, Bagh, and Chak Amru.
In retaliation, Pakistan violated the ceasefire in Poonch, resulting in the deaths of eight civilians and injuries to approximately 25 others. The strikes have generated global reactions, with various nations weighing in on the escalation between India and Pakistan.
United States
U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his hope for the swift end of hostilities between the two countries, stating that the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan has been long-standing and should come to an end quickly. He emphasized the importance of ending the violence for the sake of both nations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also indicated his concern, stating that he was closely monitoring the situation. He echoed President Trump’s sentiments, urging both India and Pakistan to work toward a peaceful resolution through continued engagement with their leadership.
United Nations
The UN’s spokesperson for General Secretary Antonio Guterres urged both countries to exercise maximum military restraint. He expressed deep concern over the military actions being carried out across the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border. The UN emphasized that a military confrontation between India and Pakistan would have dire consequences for global peace and stability.
China
China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes and called for both sides to remain calm and exercise restraint. The Chinese government emphasized the importance of prioritizing peace and stability in the region and urged India and Pakistan to avoid taking any further actions that could exacerbate the situation.
Japan
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and urged both India and Pakistan to resolve their differences through dialogue. Japan expressed concern about the potential escalation of violence and called on both nations to exercise restraint and stabilize the situation for the sake of regional peace and stability.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates also called on India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions along the border and exercise restraint. UAE’s Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding to prevent military escalation, strengthen stability in South Asia, and avoid further regional tensions.
Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, strongly condemned the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and their supporters. Notably, the Kremlin’s readout did not mention any call for restraint or the use of diplomatic measures to address the situation, signaling Russia’s firm stance on addressing terrorism in the region.
The Pahalgam Terror Attack
The Pahalgam attack on April 22 was one of the most devastating in recent history. Terrorists targeted a group of civilians in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Armed with M4 carbines and AK-47 rifles, the assailants opened fire on the group, killing at least 26 people, mostly tourists. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a group affiliated with LeT, citing opposition to demographic changes in the region.
The scale of the attack, targeting innocent civilians, sparked widespread outrage and led to the launch of Operation Sindoor by India. The strikes were aimed at dismantling the infrastructure of terror organizations operating from Pakistani soil, sending a strong message about India’s commitment to counter-terrorism and national security.
India’s strikes in Pakistan and PoK have drawn a range of reactions from around the world, with nations urging restraint and peaceful dialogue. However, the scale and precision of the operation have made it clear that India is prepared to take aggressive action against terrorism. While the world watches closely, the situation between India and Pakistan remains tense, and the international community is hopeful that the conflict can be resolved through diplomatic means rather than military escalation.
