Security
Global Solidarity with India: A United Front Against Cross-Border Terrorism
Posted On: 12 MAY 2025 5:22PM
The tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 innocent civilians mostly Hindu tourists sparked nationwide outrage and prompted a strong response from India. In a decisive response to the gruesome terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved a series of stringent measures targeting Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism. These included
- Keeping in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.
- Closing of the Integrated Check Post Attari with immediate effect.
- Pakistani nationals not to be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas.
- The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi declared Persona Non Grata.
- The overall strength of the High Commissions brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions.
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Conceived as a limited yet precise military campaign, Operation SINDOOR was launched to punish the perpetrators and destroy the infrastructure sustaining cross-border terrorism. Following detailed multi-agency intelligence, nine key terror camps including those in Bahawalpur and Muridke, were identified and neutralized through coordinated air and ground operations.
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Purpose of Operation Sindoor:
- Conceived to punish perpetrators and planners of terror.
- Aimed to destroy terror infrastructure across the border.
Intelligence and Target Selection:
- Carried out a microscopic scan of the terror landscape.
- Identified numerous terror camps and training sites.
Operational Ethics and Restraint:
- Operated under self-imposed restraint to avoid collateral damage.
- Only terrorist targets were to be neutralized, avoiding civilian harm.
Final Targets:
- 9 confirmed terror camps, based on multi-agency intelligence.
- Key Targets:
Bhawalpur (terrorist training camp)
Muridke (another key terrorist training site)
Results of the Strikes:
- Over 100 terrorists killed in the action.
- 11 air bases in Pakistan are destroyed.
- Indian army inflicted heavy damage in response to Pakistan’s intrusion.
High-value targets eliminated include:
- Yusuf Azhar
- Abdul Malik Rauf
- Mudassir Ahmad
- These individuals were linked to the IC-814 hijack and Pulwama blast.
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In a desperate and nefarious reaction, Pakistan resorted to the use of drones and missile attacks targeting Indian civilian areas and religious infrastructure on the nights of May 7, 8, and 9. However, India’s security apparatus remained vigilant and prepared intercepting and neutralizing a wave of unmanned aerial vehicles and missile threats before they could inflict serious harm. This robust and calibrated response reaffirmed India’s resolve to protect its sovereignty and citizens while maintaining operational restraint and strategic superiority.
India's Retaliatory Response:
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India conducted retaliatory strikes on:
- Radar installations in Lahore
- Radar facilities near Gurjanwala and destroyed.
- The Indian Armed Forces launched coordinated and accurate missile strikes on 9 terrorist bases-4 located in Pakistan (including Bahawalpur and Muridke) and 5 in Pakistan -occupied Kashmir (such as Muzaffarabad and Kotli). These locations were key command centers of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), responsible for major attacks like Pulwama (2019) and Mumbai (2008).
- Deep strikes into Pakistan’s mainland, including Punjab and Bahawalpur, eliminated the distinction between terrorists and their state sponsors.
- Within just three hours, India targeted 11 military installations including Noor Khan, Rafiqui, Murid, Sukkur, Sialkot, Pasrur, Chunian, Sargodha, Skardu, Bholari, and Jacobabad.
- The attack targeted major ammunition depots and airbases such as Sargodha and Bholari, where F-16 and JF-17 fighter jets were stationed. As a result, nearly 20% of Pakistan's air force infrastructure was destroyed.
- After Pakistani artillery and mortar attacks targeted civilian areas in the Poonch-Rajouri sector along the Line of Control, Indian forces retaliated, destroying terrorist bunkers and Pakistani army positions that were targeting civilians.
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Unable to withstand further damage, Pakistan initiated the ceasefire, with its Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) reaching out to the Indian DGMO. Pakistan also approached the United States to broker calm. On May 10, 2025, at 1700 hours both sides agreed to halt military actions on land, air, and sea.
Despite requesting the ceasefire, Pakistan violated it soon after sending drones into Indian civilian and military zones. These intrusions were effectively countered by Indian forces with field commanders given full freedom to respond. Ceasefire at the borders have been declared but OPERATION SINDOOR, a symbol of India’s fight against cross-border terrorism, will continue. India’s armed forces are in constant state of preparedness and alert to thwart any mischievous design from across the border.
India’s strong and measured response has received wide international support. The global community has clearly backed India’s stance, recognizing its efforts to combat terrorism and maintain regional stability.
United Kingdom
UK Foreign Minister David Lammy stated, “India has every reason to be outraged by the Pahalgam killings. Such acts of terrorism are completely unacceptable.” Echoing this sentiment, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized, “No democratic state should tolerate cross-border terrorism.”
Russia
Russia’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated, “Russia firmly condemns all acts of terrorism and opposes any form of extremism. It is essential for the international community to join forces in combating this global menace.” She also urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and emphasized, “We hope all differences are resolved peacefully through diplomatic dialogue.”
Israel
Israel’s Ambassador to India Reuven Azar affirmed Israel’s backing, stating, “Israel supports India’s right to self-defense. Terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent.”
United States
The United States President Donald Trump affirmed, “India has a sovereign right to combat terrorism,” backing the legitimacy of Operation SINDOOR. Vice President JD Vance, while urging restraint, remarked, “This is fundamentally a regional matter not America’s war and not something we should try to control.”
France
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed strong solidarity with India following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. He condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms and offered his deepest condolences. “France, alongside its allies, will continue the fight against terrorism wherever necessary.” This message highlighted France’s unwavering support for India in its battle against terrorism.
Netherlands
Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed his condolences for the horrific cross-border terror attack in Pahalgam. He strongly condemned the cowardly act and reaffirmed the Netherlands' firm stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Japan
Japan’s Defence Minister Gen Nakatani San strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and expressed unwavering solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly denounced the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, denouncing it as a heinous act of violence. Reaffirming the Kingdom’s firm stance against terrorism and extremism, the ministry expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and solidarity with India.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE supported India’s right to self-defense through Operation SINDOOR, reflecting its zero-tolerance stance on terrorism and its deepening strategic ties with India. This backing strengthened India’s position among Gulf nations and highlighted the UAE’s role in promoting regional security.
Iran
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian personally called Prime Minister Modi to offer condolences for the Pahalgam attack and emphasized the need for stronger regional cooperation against terrorism.
Qatar
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani called S. Jaishankar to express “deep concern” over escalating tensions but reaffirmed Qatar’s position that terrorism is unacceptable. By supporting India’s actions, Qatar reinforced its commitment to combating terrorism and its growing diplomatic ties with India.
Panama
Panama, a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council recognized India’s “legitimate efforts to counter terrorism” following the Pahalgam attack. The Panamanian government urged a unified international response to terrorist threats, supporting India’s.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake expressed strong solidarity with India following the Pahalgam terror attack, “Deeply shocked by the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives. Just spoke with PM Narendra Modi to convey Sri Lanka’s solidarity and our shared commitment against terrorism. Our hearts go out to the victims’ families. We stand with India in these difficult times.”
European Union
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The European Union (EU) and its 27 member states unequivocally condemn the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April and the murder of innocent civilians. “Terrorism can never be justified. Those responsible for the attack must be brought to justice. Every state has the duty and the right lawfully to protect its citizens from acts of terror.”
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Maldives
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President Mohamed Muizzu condemned the attack and reaffirmed Maldives’ commitment to fighting terrorism.
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Palestine
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President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attack as a “heinous act” and wrote to Prime Minister Modi expressing sorrow for the loss of innocent lives.
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In response to the U.S. offer to mediate on Kashmir, India firmly reiterated that the only issue to be addressed is the return of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). India made it clear that no dialogue is possible unless Pakistan takes concrete action against cross-border terrorism. Rejecting any third-party mediation, India asserted that Kashmir is a sovereign and bilateral matter. New Delhi has also made it unequivocal that any future act of terror will be treated as an act of war, underscoring its firm resolve to defend its sovereignty.
Global Solidarity with India
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