Operation Sindoor: Trump Calls India’s Airstrikes a ‘Shame’; China Expresses Deep Regret
New Delhi, 7th May 2025: As India launched Operation Sindoor, a high-impact military offensive targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in response to the Pahalgam massacre, the international community has weighed in—calling for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation in South Asia.
Despite appeals from major global powers in the days leading up to the airstrikes, India proceeded with precision strikes that neutralized over 90 terrorists, including top commanders. Now, several countries have responded with cautious concern, urging both India and Pakistan to avoid steps that could spiral into a broader conflict.
United States: U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the military action, describing it as “shame,” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate conversations with the national security advisers of India and Pakistan. Rubio emphasized the importance of “maintaining open channels of communication” and advised both sides to “de-escalate tensions before the situation becomes unmanageable.”
United Arab Emirates: In a statement echoing its longstanding diplomatic posture, the UAE called upon both nations to “exercise maximum restraint” and “prioritize diplomacy over aggression.” The Gulf nation expressed concern about the ripple effects such confrontations could have on regional and global stability.
United Nations: UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply alarmed by the growing hostilities along the Line of Control and beyond.” He reiterated the United Nations’ position advocating peace through negotiations, stressing that any further escalation could have devastating humanitarian consequences.
Japan: Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, conveyed Tokyo’s unease over the recent developments, stating, “We are seriously concerned that the current tensions could provoke a wider conflict.” He urged both India and Pakistan to “engage in constructive dialogue to avoid further deterioration of regional peace.”
China: Beijing expressed regret over the military strikes and called on both South Asian neighbours to “exercise wisdom and restraint.” A spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted, “India and Pakistan are both China’s close neighbors, and peace between them is vital for regional stability.” China, which shares strong ties with Pakistan through its Belt and Road Initiative and has recently sought to improve relations with India, positioned itself as a neutral player advocating calm.
Russia: The Russian Foreign Ministry, as reported by state agency TASS, expressed “serious concern over the intensifying military friction between India and Pakistan.” While Moscow enjoys historic ties with New Delhi and remains a major defense supplier to India, it urged both nations to “lower tensions and resolve issues through peaceful channels.”
Turkey:Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was “closely watching the unfolding situation with concern,” and warned that India’s cross-border action risked triggering a full-blown war. The statement condemned any acts targeting civilians and stressed the need for an impartial investigation into the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. Ankara also echoed Islamabad’s demand for accountability over the incident.
