India's 'Operation Sindoor' air strike: US, Israel support, China-Turkey support Pakistan, Russia neutral

New Delhi: In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India carried out an air strike in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on 6 May 2025, which was named 'Operation Sindoor'. In this attack, 12 terrorist hideouts of Lashkar-e-Taiba and The Resistance Front (TRF) were destroyed. Pakistan acknowledged heavy losses, but termed it "unjustified aggression". Global reactions to this attack are divided: the US and Israel supported India, China and Turkey sided with Pakistan, while Russia took a neutral stance. #OperationSindoor and #IndiaAirStrike are trending on X. Let's understand the global reactions and their implications along with the facts. Background of ‘Operation Sindoor’

On 22 April 2025, a terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley killed 28 people, including 25 Indians and a Nepali national. The attack was claimed by the TRF, which is believed to be backed by Pakistan. In response, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and closed the Attari-Wagah border. On 6 May, the Indian Air Force carried out precision airstrikes on terror camps near Mirpur and Muzaffarabad in PoK. The Defence Ministry claimed that 48 terrorists were killed in the operation, while there were no civilian casualties.

Global reactions

US: Full support “India has the right to take action against terrorism. We stand with India,” US President Donald Trump said soon after the attack. The US State Department reiterated its call to “not give terrorists any place to hide”. On X, @SANewsRajasthan posted that Trump was among the first leaders to express support for India. This support strengthens the India-US Strategic Partnership.

Israel: Solidarity against terrorism

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Those who provide shelter to terrorists should not be spared. India’s move is part of the global fight against terrorism.” Israel described India’s action in PoK as “precise and appropriate”. On X, @swadesh_news wrote, “Israel said, terrorists should have no place to hide.”

China: Support Pakistan

China condemned India’s air strike, calling it a “violation of sovereignty”. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, “Pakistan’s sovereignty must be respected.” China said it would raise the issue in the United Nations. On X, @tara0436 posted that China and Turkey supported Pakistan. This stance can further deepen India-China tensions.

Turkey: Criticism of India

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called India's attack a "threat to regional stability" and expressed solidarity with Pakistan. Turkey announced to raise the issue in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). 

On X @AkshMedia wrote that Turkey and Azerbaijan supported Pakistan. This is being considered part of Turkey's anti-India policy.

Russia: Neutral stance

Russia gave a balanced statement on the attack, appealing to both sides to exercise "restraint". Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, advocated a diplomatic solution under the Shimla Agreement (1972) and the Lahore Declaration (1999). According to a Livemint report, India expected clear support from Russia on terrorism, but Russia's "neutral" stance indicates a change in India-Russia relations.

Reactions from other countries

• UAE and UK: Both supported India and justified the action against terrorism. UAE said, "Terrorism is a global threat."
• Japan: Japan described India's move as "self-defense" and appealed for regional peace.
• Pakistan: Pakistani PM Shahbaz Sharif termed the attack as a "declaration of war" and sought intervention from the United Nations. Pakistan claimed that 15 civilians were killed in the attack, although there was no independent verification of this.

India's position and global impact

India described the attack as "self-defense" and "decisive action against terrorism." Two women officials of the Ministry of Defense, Group Captain Ruchita Malhotra and Squadron Leader Shalini Sharma, gave information about the operation. India used a 30 kilowatt laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW), which is capable of destroying drones and swarm drones. This technology brings India in the league of countries like the US, Russia, and China.

Globally, the attack could escalate tensions in South Asia. China and Turkey's support could give Pakistan a military and diplomatic edge, while the US and Israel's support strengthens India's position. Russia's neutrality is a matter of concern for India, as India supported Russia during the Ukraine war.

Public and experts' reaction

Indian users on X praised Operation Sindoor. @DainikBhaskar wrote, "India taught terrorists a lesson." Experts believe that the attack reflects India's zero tolerance policy, but raises the possibility of a regional conflict.

Conclusion

‘Operation Sindoor’ strengthened India’s counter-terrorism commitment, but global reactions reflect the world’s divided diplomacy. US and Israel’s support is a strength for India, while China and Turkey’s opposition poses new challenges. Russia’s neutrality raises questions on India-Russia friendship. Will this attack root out terrorism, or lead to new confrontations in the region? The answer depends on global diplomacy in the days to come.