Global Leaders Respond to India’s Strikes on Terror Targets in Pakistan

India launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, 2025, targeting nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This operation came two weeks after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals. The Defence Ministry of India stated that the strikes were aimed at terrorist sites from where attacks against India were planned and executed. The attack on these camps was part of India's ongoing efforts to counter terrorism and safeguard its national security.

Following the Indian military action, Pakistan retaliated with shelling, leading to a sharp escalation in tensions across the border. The violence sparked an international outcry, with various global leaders and organizations calling for restraint and de-escalation. US President Donald Trump expressed hope that the hostilities would end quickly, labeling the situation as a “shame” and urging both sides to avoid further conflict. He was briefed about the situation just before entering the Oval Office and remarked that the escalation seemed inevitable, given the past history of conflict.

In response to the escalating tensions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Pakistan’s security advisors. The US State Department later issued a statement confirming that Rubio had urged both India and Pakistan to maintain open communication lines and prevent the situation from spiraling into further violence. The department emphasized the importance of de-escalating tensions to avoid a larger conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations.

The United Nations also reacted to the situation, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing concern about the Indian strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan. Guterres called for maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan, stressing that the risks of escalation in such a volatile region must be avoided. His spokesperson emphasized the need for dialogue and peaceful resolution, given the destructive potential of further military actions between the two countries.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) echoed similar sentiments, with Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan urging both India and Pakistan to show restraint and take steps to de-escalate tensions. The UAE called for both countries to avoid further military actions and emphasized the importance of peace in the region. The diplomatic efforts from the UAE highlighted the growing concern in the international community about the risks of military conflict between the two nations.

On the other hand, Israel expressed its support for India’s right to self-defense. Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), voiced strong backing for India’s actions, stating that Israel supports India’s right to defend itself. Azar also commented that terrorists should not find refuge from their crimes, emphasizing the need for accountability in the fight against terrorism. His statement aligned with Israel’s long-standing policy of supporting nations in their fight against terrorism, especially when it involves self-defense against cross-border terrorist activities.

In summary, India’s launch of Operation Sindoor targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a move that has triggered heightened cross-border tensions. The international community, including the United States, the United Nations, the UAE, and Israel, has reacted with calls for restraint and de-escalation. While India has defended its actions as necessary for national security, global leaders have expressed concerns about the risks of further military escalation and the potential for regional instability.