India’s precision in Operation Sindoor deserves global recognition
On April 22, 2025, terror struck Pahalgam, a serene valley in India’s Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists, were gunned down in cold blood. India pinned the attack on The Resistance Front, a group it says is backed by Pakistan’s ISI intelligence agency, with evidence pointing to planning in Pakistani cities. India’s response, “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, was a model of restraint—precise missile strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan, avoiding civilian or military targets. Yet, the world’s reaction has been a mixed bag. While some nations, like the US and Israel, stand firmly with India, others—like the G7 and UN—have resorted to a maddening “both sides” narrative, as if India’s defense is as culpable as Pakistan’s alleged complicity. As an American observer, I’m troubled by this equivocation. When India is the victim attacked by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, it’s not fair to treat it like the aggressor. The US should lead the charge in demanding accountability, not neutrality.
For Americans unfamiliar with India’s struggles, imagine a tourist hotspot like Yosemite suddenly targeted by gunmen, killing dozens just for being there, and that too killed for being Hindu men (one Christian was also killed). That’s Pahalgam—a place meant for peace, shattered by religiously motivated violence. India’s government traced the attack to Pakistan’s ISI, much like how the US linked 9/11 to Al-Qaeda. Operation Sindoor was India’s answer: a surgical strike to neutralize terrorist hideouts without escalating into war. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was clear: “Terror and talks cannot go together.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh echoed this, signaling readiness for more if terrorism persists. Pakistan’s response—artillery fire and dubious claims of downing Indian jets—only heightened tensions, unlike India’s measured approach.
The US got it right. President Donald Trump declared, “The United States stands strong with India against terrorism,” on Truth Social[1]. Vice President J D Vance, in India at the time, condemned the attack, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged support for India’s anti-terrorism fight. Congress showed bipartisan resolve, with 73 House members and 20 Senators backing India. Israel was equally firm, with Ambassador Reuven Azar stating, “Terrorists should know there’s no place to hide”.
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
— 🇮🇱 Reuven Azar (@ReuvenAzar) May 7, 2025
France’s Emmanuel Macron called the attack “heinous”[2], and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni vowed to fight terrorism alongside India.
“Deeply saddened by the terrorist attack that occurred today in India, which caused numerous victims. Italy expresses its closeness to the families affected, the injured, the Government and all the Indian people.” https://t.co/lO3V7bkdXw
— India in Milan (@CGIMilan) April 23, 2025
Australia, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, and Sri Lanka also condemned the attack, recognizing India’s victimhood [3][4].
But then there’s the other side—nations and groups hiding behind neutrality, urging “restraint” from both India and Pakistan as if they’re equally to blame. That’s not fair when India is the victim attacked by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. The G7’s May 9 statement condemned the attack but called for “maximum restraint” from both sides[5]. Canada, Germany, and the UK leaned on this without adding their own voices, implying India’s strikes are as reckless as Pakistan’s actions. The UN’s António Guterres went further, warning against military confrontation while ignoring India’s evidence of ISI involvement[6]. China, Pakistan’s ally, predictably dodged blame, urging “dialogue”[7]. Gulf states like Qatar and the UAE, along with Iran and Russia, echoed this, calling for talks without addressing Pakistan’s role[8].
This “both sides” nonsense is a betrayal of justice. India didn’t start this—Pakistan-sponsored terrorists did, killing innocent people because they belonged to a different religion. India’s response was textbook restraint, hitting only terrorist camps. Equating that with Pakistan’s denials and escalatory fire is like telling a homeowner to negotiate with a burglar mid-break-in. Americans, who know the sting of terrorism from 9/11, should see through this. The G7’s fence-sitting, especially from Canada, Germany, and the UK, undermines their anti-terrorism rhetoric. The UN’s neutrality is a cop-out, ignoring evidence to avoid ruffling feathers. China’s silence on Pakistan’s role is no surprise, but it’s still shameful. These nations need to stop treating India, the victim, like it’s part of the problem.
The stakes are high. India’s fight isn’t just about Pahalgam—it’s about stopping a cycle of violence that threatens global security. The US, with its own history of battling terrorism, should rally allies to pressure Pakistan, not preach restraint to both. Americans can amplify India’s cause, urging Congress and the White House to demand that Pakistan dismantle terror networks. The Pahalgam victims deserve more than diplomatic platitudes—they deserve a world that calls out terrorism for what it is. India deserves better from all of us.
Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.
Reference:
[1] Why Trump isn’t leading an emergency effort to ease the India-Pakistan crisis – May 8, 2025, CNN
[2] Trump, Putin, Meloni and other world leaders condemn Pahalgam terror attack – Apr 23, 2025, The Hindu
[3] Japan condemns attack, offers support – May 06, 2025, HT
[4] What world leaders said after militant attack in India’s Kashmir – May 23, 2025, Reuters
[5] G7 Foreign Ministers’ statement on India and Pakistan – May 9, 2025, MoFA
[6] ‘Step back from the brink’, Guterres urges India and Pakistan – May 5, 2025, UN News
[7] Operation Sindoor: China says military operation ‘regrettable’, calls for restraint from India and Pakistan – May 7, 2025, Live Mint
[8] Operation Sindoor: Qatar, Spain and other global powers call for de-escalation – May 7, 2025, The Hindu
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