LONDON– Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has voiced strong support for India’s recent military operation targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), stating that there must be no impunity for terrorists.
In a post on X, Sunak said, “India is justified in striking terrorist infrastructure. There can be no impunity for terrorists.” His remarks came in the wake of India’s military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead.
India’s operation, codenamed Operation Sindoor, involved the launch of 24 precision missiles that struck nine terror facilities across Pakistan and PoK, reportedly killing around 70 militants. The action was described by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri as a “measured and proportionate” response to the deadly attack. He was joined in the announcement by senior defence officers Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who underscored the armed forces’ readiness to counter any retaliatory moves from Pakistan.
Sunak had previously condemned the Pahalgam attack and expressed solidarity with India, saying, “Terror will never win.”
International responses to the strike have been mixed. Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, voiced strong support for India, stating, “Israel supports India’s right to self-defence. Terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent.”
The UK’s Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds urged de-escalation, stating that Britain is prepared to assist both India and Pakistan in reducing tensions. Russia also called for restraint, expressing hope that differences could be resolved through diplomatic means.
France, the UAE, and several other countries echoed similar calls at the United Nations Security Council, urging all parties to avoid actions that could destabilize regional or international peace.
As India defends its right to strike back against terrorism, its military and diplomatic leadership have signaled a firm stance against further provocation, while reiterating their commitment to targeted, proportionate action. (Source: IANS)
