India's response to the recent terrorist attacks in Pahalgam has not yet received extensive international support. Operation Sindor, launched after the April 22 attack on Pahargam, killed 26 innocent civilians in Jamu and Kashmir, and has been widely regarded as justified self-defense rather than aggression.
Among the first voices to support it is the UK. Foreign Minister David Lammy said India had good reasons to be angry, while former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak asserted that no country could tolerate cross-border terrorism.
Russia also expressed concern about military escalation, but made it clear that it condemned all forms of terrorism and called for restraint against India and Pakistan.
Israel strongly supports India's position, and its ambassador notes that “terrorists have no shelter” and supports India in defending the rights of its citizens. The EU, together with all 27 member states, issued a unified and strong statement condemning the attacks and confirming India's right to respond. France, the Netherlands and Japan also echo similar views.
The United States was initially cautious and eventually became consistent with the broader international consensus. President Donald Trump expressed solidarity with India, stressing the country's monarch's right to fight terrorism, while also encouraging diplomatic efforts to avoid further escalation. However, U.S. Vice President JD Vance adopted a more measured tone, stressing that despite the U.S. urged a downgrade, the conflict remains a regional issue. “This is not a war in the United States, it is not something we can or should control,” he said.
During a recent visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the Pahargam attack and reiterated its solidarity with India.
Both countries reject religiously based terrorism grounds and stress the need to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent cross-border attacks.
The United Arab Emirates, Iran, Qatar and Bangladesh also support India's position. The UAE and Qatar urged restraint, but they explicitly rejected all forms of terrorism.
Iran stressed the importance of peace, but it was never justified to declare targeting civilians.
Bangladesh has emphasized its zero tolerance for terrorism, supporting India's protection of the rights of its people.
It is worth noting that Panama (currently a member of the UN Security Council) also supports India. It recognizes New Delhi’s legitimate right to fight terrorism and calls for a unified international response to such threats.
India insists that Sindor's action is not an act of retaliation, but a act of retaliation by national defense.
The action was carried out through restraint and determination, aimed at protecting Indian citizens and avoiding wider conflicts.
Global leaders acknowledged that India did not strike first, but responded decisively to the terrorist provocations.
