OPERATION SINDOOR: Reactions Across the Globe

This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.

In the wee hours of 7 May 2025, the Indian Armed Forces launched “OPERATION SINDOOR” targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Training centers of terror outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen were successfully struck in these regions, with some media reports claiming nearly 70 terrorists were killed. This number has not been officially verified yet.

The Ministry of External Affairs, in its press briefing shared visuals of the strikes, showing no military or civilian sites were targeted and only terrorist camps were struck.

This move by India comes just a fortnight after 26 male tourists were brutally shot dead by terrorists in the Pahalgam, Kashmir. Indian intelligence had successfully connected these attacks with Pakistan-based LeT, prompting one of the most elaborate responses by India in several decades.

Tensions between India and Pakistan are at a peak and the global response to the current situation is growing increasingly telling.

In the aftermath of the operation India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) briefed the NSAs of U.S., China, UK, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Japan, Russia, and France. Countries world over have given different reactions to India’s operation. Their reactions are tabulated below.

U.S. RESPONSE

United States is one of the country whose National Security Advisor (NSA) was briefed by India’s NSA after the operations. United States’ official response came from President Donald Trump. Trump was asked about the operation during the swearing-in ceremony of Steve Witkoff. Trump’s statement was:

“ It’s a shame, we just heard about it as we were walking in the doors of the oval office. I guess people knew that something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past. They have been fighting for a long time, they have been fighting for many-many decades, and centuries actually if you really think about it. Now I just hope it ends very quickly”.

Following Trump’s statement, the Secretary of State Marco Rubio tweeted that

“I am Monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan closely. I echo POTUS’s comments earlier today that this hopefully ends quickly and will continue to engage Indian and Pakistani leadership towards a peaceful resolution”.

Trump’s statement indicates that the U.S. wants the situation to de-escalate without overtly supporting any side. This is proven by Rubio’s call to National Security Advisors of both Pakistan and India.

Additionally, the State Department give a statement on the same line. The statement is:

“Earlier this afternoon, Secretary Rubio spoke to the National Security Advisors from India and Pakistan. He urged both sides to keep lines of communications open and avoid escalation.”

China

China’s NSA equivalent, Member of Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee, Wang Yi was also briefed by the Indian NSA after the operations. The statement by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs read:

“China finds India’s military operation early this morning regrettable. We are concerned about the ongoing situation. We urge both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, remain calm, exercise restraint and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation.”

China’s statement calling the operations “regrettable” suggests China is directly supporting Pakistan as usual. This is in continuation to its diplomatic support to Pakistan in UNSC. China’s statement shows that while it says that it opposes “terrorism in all forms” it actions says something different.

Israel

Israel is the only country to outrightly express support for India. Israel’s ambassador India, Rueven Azar, posted on social media site X saying

“Israel supports India’s right for self-defense. Terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent.”

Bangladesh

According to a recent report by a Bangladeshi media outlet, Bangladesh has voiced serious concern over the rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The government has urged both countries to show restraint and avoid any steps that could escalate the situation further. In its official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Bangladesh’s dedication to regional peace and stability, expressing optimism that diplomatic efforts will help defuse the crisis for the greater good of the region’s people.

UAE

The Foreign Ministry of the UAE has issued a statement calling on both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue towards de-escalating the situation. 

The complete statement reads as follows:

“His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has called on the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation that could threaten regional and international peace. His Highness stressed the importance of heeding the voices calling for dialogue and mutual understanding to prevent military escalation, strengthen stability in South Asia, and avoid further regional tensions. His Highness reaffirmed that diplomacy and dialogue remain the most effective means of peacefully resolving crises, and achieving the shared aspirations of nations for peace, stability, and prosperity. His Highness further emphasized that the United Arab Emirates will continue its efforts to support all initiatives aimed at achieving peaceful resolutions to regional and international conflicts and mitigating their humanitarian consequences.”

Turkey

The first phone call Pakistan seems to have received is from their long time strategic and defence ally Turkey. According to the Pakistan’s ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called Pakistani FM Ishaq Dar to express “solidarity with Pakistan against India’s unprovoked aggression.” This was followed by a meeting between the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan and Dar where, as per Pakistani claims, Turkey reiterated its solidarity with Pakistan. 

There has been no formal acknowledgement of the call from Turkey’s end but in a statement issued by their Foreign Ministry, Turkey said it condemns India’s “provocative steps” and that the strikes increase the “risk of an all-out war.” It also reiterated its support for Pakistan’s demand for an independent investigation into the Pahalgam attacks.

The complete statement reads as follows:

“We are following the developments between Pakistan and India with concern. The attack carried out by India last night (6 May) raises the risk of an all-out war. We condemn such provocative steps as well as attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. We call on the parties to exercise common sense and refrain from unilateral actions. We expect that measures will be taken to reduce tensions in the region as soon as possible and that the necessary mechanisms, including in the field of counter-terrorism, will be put in place to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents. We also support Pakistan’s call for an investigation into the 22 April terrorist attack.”

In the days between the Pahalgam tragedy and India’s response, Turkey has held some key interactions with Pakistan, including a reported visit from a high-level delegation led by Turkey’s intelligence chief to Pakistan’s Air Force Headquarters.

Oman

In a statement by the foreign ministry, Oman said they are following the escalations between India and Pakistan “with great concern” and called on both the countries to “contain this dangerous escalation and open the way for diplomatic efforts.” (Translated)

Complete statement can be found here.

It is also noteworthy that Oman’s Ambassador to Pakistan met with Pakistani Naval Chief, Admiral Naveed Ashraf earlier during the day. No comments have been made by either side on the nature or purpose of the engagement.

Qatar

Qatar has issued a statement expressing “deep concern” over the growing tensions between India and Pakistan, urging both sides to “exercise maximum restraint” and “resolve the crisis through diplomatic means.”

The complete statement reads as follows:

“The State of Qatar is following with deep concern the continued escalation between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Qatar urges both countries to exercise maximum restraint, give priority to the voice of wisdom, respect the principles of good neighborliness, and resolve the crisis through diplomatic means.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes the urgent need to keep communication channels open between India and Pakistan to defuse tensions and address unresolved issues between them through constructive dialogue, ultimately leading to comprehensive, consensual, and sustainable solutions. It also reiterates the State of Qatar’s full support for all regional and international.”

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, another friend of Pakistan, has also issued a statement condemning India’s strikes, expressing concern over the escalation between the two countries, and calling for restraint.

The statement posted by their foreign ministry reads as follows:

“The Republic of Azerbaijan expresses its concern over the further escalation of tension between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. We condemn military attacks against the Islamic Republic of Pakistan that killed and injured several civilians. Being in solidarity with the people of Pakistan, we express condolences to the families of the innocent victims and wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means.”

It is also noteworthy that Azerbaijan was among the few countries to not issue any direct statement on the Pahalgam attacks.  

Kuwait

The Foreign Ministry of Kuwait has issued a statement saying that it is following the escalations between India and Pakistan “with deep concern.” It has also called on both nations to engage in dialogue and diplomacy towards finding a solution.

The complete statement reads as follows:

“The State of Kuwait is following with deep concern the escalation between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and calls on the two friendly countries to exercise restraint and resolve their differences through dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful means, leading to comprehensive and sustainable solutions that contribute to consolidating and strengthening peace, security, and stability in the region.”

Belarus: In its statement, the Belarus Foreign Ministry said it is following the escalations with “deep concern” and called on both countries to work towards a ceasefire.

The complete statement reads as follows:

“Belarus with deep concern follows the escalation of relations btwn India & Pakistan, the two friendly to our country states. We call on the parties to a ceasefire as soon as possible. Belarus is convinced that there is no alternative to resolving the conflict rather than peaceful negotiations. We welcome steps by all sides that contribute to the early de-escalation of the conflict and its political settlement, as well as to the search for ways of constructive co-operation in the fight against terrorism and extremism, which contribute to strengthening security in South Asia.” (sic)

The Russian Federation

On May 7, the Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow is deeply concerned over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. “We are deeply concerned by the heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of a terror attack near the town of Pahalgam,” she said.

She further continued, “We call on the parties concerned to exercise restraint in order to prevent the situation in the region from escalating.” She concluded, “We hope that the latest dispute between New Delhi and Islamabad will be resolved through peaceful political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis in accordance with the provisions of the 1972 Simla Agreement and the 1999 Lahore Declaration.”

Kyrgyz Republic On May 7, the Kyrgyz Republic expressed concern about the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan. Kyrgyzstan calls on both sides to exercise maximum restraint, refrain from military actions that could further escalate the armed conflict and return to dialogue to find a peaceful solution. As a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Kyrgyzstan calls on India and Pakistan, which are also members of the organization, to show responsibility and return to the principles of peaceful settlement of disputes enshrined in the SCO Charter.

EUROPE’S RESPONSE TO OPERATION SINDOOR

1. United Kingdom- The UK has expressed “serious concern” over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. UK PM Keir Starmer urged dialogue and said they “are engaging urgently with both countries and other international partners” towards a diplomatic solution.

“I have made clear to my counterparts in India and Pakistan that if this escalates further, nobody wins. The UK was clear in its condemnation of the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam last month. We need all sides to work urgently to see regional stability restored and ensure protection of civilians,” Starner said, emphasising UK’s close relationship with both countries.

The British Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer also called on India and Pakistan to “show restraint and engage in dialogue.” He further added that Pakistan has been “plagued by a terrorist threat within its own borders” and urged them to “do more to tackle that threat.” Falconer further added that “India is right to feel outrage at this terrible attack” on April 22.

According to reports, India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, also communicated with his UK counterpart, Jonathan Powell, among other international officials, to provide details on the operation.

• Switzerland- Switzerland has asked both India and Pakistan to exercise “maximum restraint.”

“Escalation helps no one. Growing tensions between and are alarming. We call on both sides to exercise maximum restraint and engage in dialogue for the sake of de-escalation,” the Swiss Foreign Affairs Department said in a statement issued on social media site X.

• Sweden– Sweden emphasised dialogue between India and Pakistan and said it was monitoring the “worrying” situation between the two countries. It also reiterated its previously issued condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and updated its travel advisory for Pakistan and J&K. “The situation between India and Pakistan is very worrying and we are closely monitoring developments. Dialogue between the countries is crucial to avoid escalation. We have previously condemned the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April, in which many innocent people died and many more were injured. We have updated the travel advisory for Pakistan and have previously advised against non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir in India,” Maria Stenergard, Swedish Foreign Affairs Minister said in a post on X. (Translated)

• Slovenia- The Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, speaking to the media on the sidelines of an event, called on both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint. “Slovenia has already strongly condemned terrorism – every act of terrorism and extremism – a few days ago. It is absolutely unacceptable and condemnable,” she said, according to Slovenia’s Ministry of Foreign and European affairs. (Translated)

• Slovakia- No Response
• Serbia- No Response
• San Marino- No Response
• Romania- No Response
• Portugal- No Response
• Poland – No Response
• Norway: Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide (Ap) urges India and Pakistan to de-escalate the conflict and show restraint. “My call to both Indian and Pakistani authorities is to de-escalate the situation, show maximum restraint and help ensure that this does not become a spiral of violence that takes us to an even worse situation than the one we are already in”, he told the press gathered outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.

1. Netherlands – No Response
2. Montenegro – No Response
3. Monaco – No Response
4. Moldova – No Response

1. Malta – No Response
2. Albania- No response

1. Andorra- No response

1. Austria- No response

• Belarus: In its statement, the Belarus Foreign Ministry said it is following the escalations with “deep concern” and called on both countries to work towards a ceasefire. The complete statement reads as follows:

“Belarus with deep concern follows the escalation of relations btwn India & Pakistan, the two friendly to our country states. We call on the parties to a ceasefire as soon as possible. Belarus is convinced that there is no alternative to resolving the conflict rather than peaceful negotiations. We welcome steps by all sides that contribute to the early de-escalation of the conflict and its political settlement, as well as to the search for ways of constructive co-operation in the fight against terrorism and extremism, which contribute to strengthening security in South Asia.” (sic)

• Bosnia: No response

• Bulgaria: No response

• Croatia: No response

• Cyprus: No response

• Czech Republic: No response

• Denmark: No response

• Estonia: No response

• Finland: No response

• France:

The French foreign minister called on India and Pakistan to “exercise restraint” on Wednesday. “We understand India’s desire to protect itself against the scourge of terrorism, but we obviously call on both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint to avoid escalation and, of course, to protect civilians,” Jean-Noël Barrot said on TF1.

• Georgia: No response

• 31.⁠ ⁠Germany:  Germany calls for de-escalation.

“After the terrible terrorist attack in Kashmir and the subsequent Indian military response, responsible action by both countries is of utmost importance. The situation must not escalate further, civilians must be protected; we are in contact with #India and #Pakistan.”

• ⁠Greece: Greece calls for de-escalation and dialogue.

#Greece expresses deep concern over the deteriorating situation between #India and #Pakistan, following the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Escalation must be avoided. Protection of civilians must be prioritized. Dialogue and diplomacy should prevail. Germany: No response 

• Hungary: No response

• EU:

The European Commission also calls on India and Pakistan to “de-escalate” the exchanges of fire and the intervening strikes.

“We urge both parties to show restraint and take immediate steps towards de-escalation,” said Anouar El Anouni, spokesperson for the European executive.