India-Pakistan tensions have spiralled to a new high since the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. Following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam by Pakistan-backed terrorists, India launched Operation Sindoor. The operation was intended as a strong but limited response, precisely targeting terror camps while deliberately avoiding Pakistani military installations. According to official accounts, the strikes were focused and civilian harm was avoided.
On the night of May 7-8, Pakistan responded by launching drones and missiles at Indian military installations in the north and west, including bases in Jammu. India's air defence systems successfully intercepted the attacks. Debris recovered at multiple locations indicated a clear intent to escalate. However, the Indian response remained calibrated, while Pakistan's actions appeared scattered and aggressive.
India Reiterates Stance On Terror
On May 8, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated during a media briefing that any further attacks from Pakistan would be treated as an escalation. Emphasising the restraint shown by India, he noted that the strikes were accurate and avoided civilian areas. "Let us not forget," Misri said, "It was India that was attacked first in Pahalgam."
Pakistan breached the ceasefire again on May 9, deploying drones and initiating cross-border shelling. The Indian Army, in an official post on X, stated: "India will defend its borders and respond strongly to any threat."
World Powers Stand With India
India's measured response has drawn broad international support. According to the UK Foreign Office, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said India had "every reason to be outraged." Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Sky News that "no country should tolerate cross-border terror".
Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement carried by TASS, called for restraint but condemned terrorism in all forms and expressed concern over military escalation. The Israeli Ambassador to India, in a media interaction reported by The Jerusalem Post, stated that "terrorists have no sanctuary" and fully supported India's right to self-defence.
The European Union, in an official joint statement, expressed strong backing for India's right to self-defence. Individual confirmations followed from the governments of France, the Netherlands and Japan.
According to the White House press pool, US President Donald Trump expressed solidarity with India and affirmed its sovereign right to combat terrorism. In a separate briefing, Vice President JD Vance offered a more cautious note, saying, "This is fundamentally a regional matter. It's not America's war, and it's not something we can or should try to control."
Islamic Nations Extend Support
Statements from the foreign ministries of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Qatar, and Bangladesh also reflected alignment with India's position. Saudi Arabia's statement, published via SPA, voiced concern over rising tensions and stressed civilian protection. The UAE and Qatar, according to Al Jazeera, called for calm but reiterated that terrorism in any form was unacceptable.
Iran's foreign ministry, in comments reported by Tehran Times, urged both nations to maintain peace but stated that "targeting civilians and using terror as a tool is unjustifiable." Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and supporting India's right to self-defence.
Panama, a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, issued a note through its mission to the UN, stating that it recognises India's legitimate efforts to counter terrorism and called for a unified international response.