India Launches Strikes Nine Terror Targets in Pakistan and PoK; Global Reactions Pour In Amid Rising Tensions
In a significant military move that has captured global attention, India launched a high-precision offensive titled ‘Operation Sindoor’ early today, targeting nine strategic terror infrastructure sites located within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK).
This decisive operation was carried out nearly two weeks after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 innocent civilians dead, including many tourists.
Official Statement from the Ministry of Defence
The Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed the operation in a formal statement released to the press, stating:
“A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, from where terrorist attacks against India have been regularly planned, coordinated, and directed.”
The statement emphasized that the operation was not only a counter-terror strike but a strategic and symbolic message against the use of cross-border terrorism as a policy tool. It underlined India’s right to defend itself from persistent threats emerging from across its borders.
Global Diplomatic and Political Reactions
Soon after the operation, global leaders, international organizations, and key diplomatic partners began responding, expressing concern over the developments while calling for calm and restraint.
US President Donald Trump Reacts
President of the United States, Donald Trump, reacted to the news during an interaction with reporters at the White House, expressing concern over the potential for escalation.
“It’s a shame,” President Trump said, referencing the sudden flare-up of hostilities.
“We heard about it just as we were walking into the Oval Office. I guess people had an idea something was about to happen, considering the recent history between the two countries.”
When asked if he had a message for India and Pakistan, he kept his response short but hopeful, saying:
“No specific message… I just hope it ends very quickly.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Engages Diplomatically
In the wake of the strike and the resulting tensions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in high-level diplomatic outreach. He held direct conversations with Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his counterpart in Pakistan.
The US State Department shared an update on X (formerly Twitter) stating:
“Earlier this afternoon, @SecRubio spoke to the national security advisors from India and Pakistan. He urged both parties to maintain open channels of communication and to prioritize de-escalation of the conflict.”
This proactive diplomatic move reflects Washington’s efforts to reduce the risk of an armed standoff between the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbors.
United Nations Calls for Military Restraint
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, also expressed his concern over the developments. His spokesperson issued a statement urging both nations to demonstrate maximum military restraint in the interest of maintaining peace and security in the region.
“The Secretary-General is very concerned about the Indian military strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and calls on both parties to avoid further military escalation,” the statement read.
The UN’s statement underscores the international community’s anxiety over the risk of conflict spiraling out of control in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
UAE Urges Both Sides to De-escalate
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a key diplomatic and economic partner of both India and Pakistan, also issued an official statement through its Foreign Ministry.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan called on both countries to exercise restraint and avoid any further acts that could inflame tensions.
“The UAE is deeply concerned about the recent developments in South Asia. We urge both India and Pakistan to resolve differences through dialogue and de-escalate the current situation to maintain peace and stability in the region,” the statement read.
Israel Reaffirms Support for India’s Self-Defence
Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, voiced unequivocal support for India’s right to protect itself against terrorism. Taking to X, Azar expressed Israel’s solidarity with India and its stance against terrorism in all forms:
“Israel supports India’s right for self-defense. Terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent. #OperationSindoor”
Israel has historically stood by India on matters of counter-terrorism and security, and today’s events further cement the growing security cooperation between the two nations.
Rising Cross-Border Tensions and an Uncertain Road Ahead
Following the strikes, Pakistan initiated retaliatory shelling along the Line of Control (LoC), further heightening tensions in the region. Although no major casualties have yet been reported, the situation remains tense, with security forces on both sides on high alert.
India has so far remained firm on its position, reiterating that its actions were purely targeted against terror infrastructure and not against the people or the state of Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s government has condemned the strikes, calling them an act of aggression.
As of now, diplomatic efforts are underway globally to prevent a further escalation of the conflict. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether both countries choose dialogue and diplomacy or continue down the path of military confrontation.
