Operation Sindoor: India’s strikes trigger global concern as Trump urges calm, world calls for de-escalation

India on Wednesday confirmed it had launched a major military operation against terrorist infrastructure, striking nine sites, in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. The Indian Army said the strikes were aimed at dismantling terror camps. The international community has responded swiftly to the developments.

In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump described the Indian military action as “a shame” and expressed hope for a swift de-escalation. “It’s a shame. We just heard about it, just as we were walking into the Oval. I guess people knew something was going to happen based on the past. They’ve been fighting for decades,” Trump said during the swearing-in ceremony of special envoy Steve Witkoff. “I just hope it ends very quickly,” he added.

The U.S. State Department said it is "closely monitoring developments." In a separate statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he had spoken with national security advisors from both India and Pakistan, urging both sides to maintain open lines of communication and avoid further escalation.

“I am monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan closely. I echo (US President’s) comments earlier today that this hopefully ends quickly and will continue to engage both Indian and Pakistani leadership towards a peaceful resolution,” US Secretary Marco Rubio said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Israel extended unequivocal backing to India’s operation, framing it as a legitimate act of self-defense.

“Israel supports India’s right for self-defense. Terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent,” Reuven Azar, Israel ambassador to India, said in a post on X.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) called for de-escalation and dialogue. In a statement, UAE Deputy Prime Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan urged both India and Pakistan to “exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation that could threaten regional and international peace.”

“(He)…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,” read an official statement from the UAE foreign affairs ministry.

The UAE Foreign Ministry added that diplomacy and dialogue remain the most effective tools for resolving crises and achieving lasting peace and prosperity.

“His Highness reaffirmed 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,” the statement concluded.

The situation continues to unfold rapidly, with the world closely watching the India-Pakistan standoff amid growing concerns of a broader regional conflict.

The Chinese foreign ministry has also issued its statement on the ongoing situation between India and Pakistan. "China finds India’s military operation early this morning regrettable. We are concerned about the ongoing situation. India and Pakistan are and will always be each other’s neighbors. They’re both China’s neighbors as well. China opposes all forms of terrorism. 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," the spokesperson said in a statement.