Operation Sindoor: How India Scored a Diplomatic Victory After Hitting Terror Hubs in Pakistan
New Delhi | May 9, 2025 —India’s decisive action against terror infrastructure across the border, following the Pahalgam massacre, has not only drawn applause at home but also achieved an unexpected diplomatic breakthrough on the global stage.
While critics had initially feared international isolation or condemnation, the opposite has unfolded. In fact, the world has largely come out in strong support of India’s right to self-defence and its stand against terrorism.
Background: The Trigger for Operation Sindoor
The turning point came after the Pahalgam massacre, which India described as a cross-border terror act that could not go unanswered.
Responding to the terror strike, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist camps inside Pakistan. These military strikes were described as calibrated, precise, and non-escalatory, with efforts taken to avoid civilian harm.
According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, collateral damage was minimized, and the operation was focused entirely on active terror hubs.
Pakistan’s Retaliation and India's Firm Response
In retaliation, Pakistan launched two nights of air attacks on Indian military positions. However, the Indian Air Force successfully repelled all attempts, with no damage reported to Indian assets.
India, while maintaining its defensive posture militarily, quickly moved to neutralize diplomatic concerns by engaging with key global powers.
India’s Diplomatic Blitzkrieg
Following the strikes, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar initiated high-level talks with global leaders:
- Spoke with US and EU counterparts immediately after Pakistan’s missile and drone attacks
- Reiterated India’s right to defend its citizens
- Warned against any further acts of escalation by Pakistan
This swift diplomatic outreach appears to have significantly shaped international perception in India's favour.
Global Support Pours In for India
United States
- President Donald Trump: Backed India’s sovereignty and its right to retaliate against terrorism
- Vice President J.D. Vance: Urged de-escalation, but noted it’s a regional issue
European Union
- Issued a joint statement of support from all 27 member states
- Condemned terror acts and endorsed India’s measured military response
United Kingdom
- Foreign Secretary David Lammy: “India had every reason to be outraged”
- Former PM Rishi Sunak: “No country should tolerate cross-border terror”
Russia
- Expressed concern over military escalation
- Reaffirmed zero tolerance for terrorism
Israel
- Declared full support for India’s right to self-defence
- “Terrorists have no sanctuary,” said the Israeli Foreign Ministry
France, Netherlands, Japan
- All reaffirmed India's sovereign right to strike back against terror
Middle Eastern Reaction: Balancing Act
Some Islamic nations took a more cautious stance but still condemned terrorism:
- Saudi Arabia: Urged calm, stressed the need to avoid civilian harm
- UAE and Qatar: Called for restraint, yet reaffirmed opposition to terrorism in all forms
- Iran: Said, “targeting civilians or using terror is unjustifiable,” promoting peace through dialogue
Bangladesh Backs India Boldly
In South Asia, Bangladesh openly supported India's right to act, marking a significant regional alignment. Dhaka echoed New Delhi’s concerns over rising cross-border militancy.
India Wins the Narrative War
India’s approach has been viewed as strategic, restrained, and justified:
- Avoided civilian targets
- Focused on terror infrastructure
- Actively engaged global powers
- Projected moral and strategic clarity
Most international observers now see India as the aggrieved party, acting in self-defence, while Pakistan is being increasingly viewed as a sponsor of terror, responsible for triggering the crisis.
Conclusion: A Turning Point in India’s Counterterror Diplomacy
Operation Sindoor may be remembered not just for its precision airstrikes, but for the remarkable diplomatic victory it achieved for India.
By combining military strength with diplomatic outreach, New Delhi has reshaped global opinion, pushing back against narratives that once painted such retaliatory strikes as risky or destabilizing.
What Lies Ahead
While the situation at the border remains tense, India has made its position clear:
It will continue to act firmly against terror, but will also seek global cooperation to ensure long-term peace and regional stability.
