In a significant international development, former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has expressed unequivocal support for India’s targeted counter-terror operation, Operation Sindoor, following the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead. In a strongly worded post on X, Sunak stated:
“No nation should have to accept terrorist attacks being launched against it from land controlled by another country. India is justified in striking terrorist infrastructure. There can be no impunity for terrorists.“
No nation should have to accept terrorist attacks being launched against it from land controlled by another country.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) May 7, 2025
India is justified in striking terrorist infrastructure. There can be no impunity for terrorists.
UK Government Response: Calls for Restraint and Dialogue
While Sunak’s comments reflect a firm stance in support of India, the official UK government has adopted a more cautious diplomatic tone. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the importance of restraint and direct dialogue between India and Pakistan.
“Current tensions between India and Pakistan are a serious concern… We are urging both countries to engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward,” Lammy said.
The Foreign Secretary reiterated the UK’s condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam attack, calling it “horrific,” but stressed that regional stability and the protection of civilians must be the international priority. He also stated that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is monitoring the situation closely and is prepared to assist British nationals in the region.
“The safety of British nationals will always be our priority,” Lammy added.
Operation Sindoor: A Measured Strike on Terror Infrastructure
India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of Wednesday, striking nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in response to the massacre in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Indian officials, including Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, confirmed the destruction of all targeted camps with zero civilian casualties.
“Operation Sindoor was launched to deliver justice to the victims and their families,” Singh said, adding that precision strike weapons and real-time intelligence were used to ensure accuracy.
Terror Camps Targeted:
- Muridke (training ground of 26/11 perpetrators)
- Sarjal camp, Sialkot
- Markaz Ahle Hadith
- Barnala
- Markaz Abbas, Kotli
- Mehmoona Joya camp, Sialkot
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi presented video footage during the media briefing, showcasing the complete destruction of terror hubs, including those linked to David Headley and Ajmal Kasab.
India’s Position: Strike Was Justified, Non-Escalatory
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reiterated that the strike was not just a military operation but a strategic message to those undermining peace in Kashmir. He noted the barbarity of the Pahalgam attack, where many victims were executed at close range in front of their families, aimed at spreading fear and disrupting normalcy.
“The attack was clearly driven by the objective of undermining the return of normalcy in Kashmir,” Misri stated.
He confirmed that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval had briefed counterparts in the US, Japan, and other nations about the measured and calibrated nature of India’s response.
Conclusion: Global Eyes on the Subcontinent
Rishi Sunak’s public endorsement of India’s right to defend itself, combined with the UK government’s diplomatic caution, highlights the delicate balance global powers must maintain in the face of terrorism and regional tensions. As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely to see whether the message delivered by Operation Sindoor will deter future attacks—or provoke further destabilization in the region.