British Indian diaspora groups commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his firm stance against terrorism, following the launch of Operation Sindoor.
In his address to the nation, PM Modi emphasised that India will no longer tolerate nuclear blackmail and will respond decisively to any terrorist attack. "Operation Sindoor marks a decisive shift in India's strategy, setting a new standard in the fight against terrorism," he declared.
During the operation, several leaders called for dialogue and de-escalation, while others affirmed India’s right to defend itself against terrorism.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, addressing the House of Commons, said: "Rising tensions between India and Pakistan will be of serious concern for many across Britain." He added, “We are engaging urgently with both countries, as well as other international partners, encouraging dialogue, de-escalation, and the protection of civilians."
UK Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel delivered a sharp statement in the House of Commons debate on ‘India-Pakistan: Escalation’ following India’s Operation Sindoor. UK Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer stressed the importance of de-escalation, especially with the large number of British nationals in the region. "The safety of British nationals will always be our priority," he said.
Patel, referencing her previous questions to the government after the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attacks, reminded Parliament of the brutal killing of 26 tourists in a savage act of violence.
She said: “This is a precarious moment. We want tensions to ease between India and Pakistan and avoid escalation. At the same time, India has the right to defend itself and dismantle terrorist infrastructure.”
She added, “Terrorists based in Pakistan threaten both India and Western interests, and the UK has long-standing security agreements with India.”
She questioned whether the UK government has been in contact with India’s intelligence services regarding the Kashmir attack and if specific security assistance has been provided. She also raised concerns about the links between the Resistance Front and Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, which has ties to Hamas. “The UK has a role to play in easing tensions,” she emphasised, asking, “What discussions have taken place between India and Pakistan, and does the UK have a plan to support de-escalation?”
The Friends of India Society International (FISI) UK praised India’s “firm and uncompromising” stance against terrorism, while INSIGHT UK emphasised a united message of “humanity against terrorism.”
Lord Rami Ranger, Chairman of the British Sikh Association, added: “There are no winners in war. Innocent lives suffer unnecessarily. I welcome this step and hope good sense prevails so both sides agree, never again.”
On May 7, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation destroyed nine camps, including Jaish-e-Mohammed’s HQ in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s base in Muridke, killing over 100 terrorists.
The strikes escalated tensions, pushing India and Pakistan to the brink of war with missile and drone exchanges. However, after 100 hours of hostilities, a ceasefire was declared on May 10 at Pakistan’s request.
As global powers watch closely, India’s Operation Sindoor not only signals a new chapter in its national security policy but has also reignited urgent calls for a lasting, peaceful resolution to cross-border terrorism and regional instability.
PM Modi calls out Pakistan’s terror hubs in strong address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first televised address since India's launch of cruise missiles at terror facilities in Pakistan and PoJK, described Operation Sindoor as a strategic shift and a strong policy against terrorism. He emphasised, "Operation Sindoor is ongoing and will continue as a decisive action against state-sponsored terror attacks on Indian citizens."
Modi reinforced the message from senior military leaders, declaring, "This is the new normal. India will strike decisively at the heart of terrorism if our citizens are attacked." He emphasised that "nuclear blackmail" will not deter India. The Prime Minister’s speech signaled that India will respond with force if state-sponsored terrorism targets its people, publicly condemning Pakistan’s terror hubs in Bahawalpur and Muridke as "universities of terror."
Modi condemned the link between Pakistan’s government and terrorism, stating, "We will not separate terrorists from their government. The world has witnessed Pakistan's army officers attending terrorist funerals, clear evidence of state-sponsored terror." He affirmed that India would take strong action to protect its citizens, highlighting that Operation Sindoor had set a historic precedent by showcasing India’s strength in both conventional and new-age warfare.
PM Modi emphasised that terrorists never anticipated such a bold response, but when the nation is united under the principle of "nation first," decisive actions lead to impactful results. He noted that India's missile and drone strikes not only destroyed terrorist infrastructure but also weakened their morale. He called out Bahawalpur and Muridke as long-standing hubs of global terrorism, connected to major attacks like the 9/11 tragedy, the London tube bombings, and countless incidents in India.
He declared that India’s precision strikes under Operation Sindoor had shattered Pakistan’s terror infrastructure and exposed its vulnerabilities. He said Pakistan, frustrated and desperate, retaliated recklessly by targeting civilian areas, but India’s advanced air defense neutralized its missiles and drones mid-air. In contrast, Indian drones and missiles hit Pakistan’s core, severely damaging key airbases and terror hubs. Within three days, Pakistan began seeking de-escalation and contacted India’s DGMO on May 10, assuring it would halt terror and military aggression. In response, India temporarily paused its counter-operations but continues to monitor the situation closely.
Modi emphasised that Operation Sindoor marks a strategic shift in India’s counter-terrorism policy, built on three pillars: decisive retaliation, zero tolerance for nuclear blackmail, and no distinction between terrorists and their state sponsors. He condemned Pakistan’s open support for terrorists, noting its military’s presence at their funerals, and reaffirmed that India will act decisively to protect its citizens.
Highlighting India’s military strength across all terrains and in modern warfare, Modi praised the effectiveness of Made-in-India defense systems. He declared, “Zero tolerance against terrorism is the guarantee of a better and safer world,” and warned Pakistan that unless it dismantles its terror networks, its survival is at risk. Modi reiterated that there can be no talks or trade with Pakistan until terrorism ends, and that future dialogue will focus solely on Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
During his visit to the Air Force Station at Adampur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed and interacted with air warriors and soldiers, praising their courage and dedication. He underscored the power of the chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, calling it not just a slogan, but a solemn oath taken by every soldier to defend the nation’s honour. Modi said this powerful phrase echoes from battlefields to critical missions, sending a chill down the enemy’s spine when chanted by Indian soldiers.
Highlighting India’s military strength, he noted that the nation’s drone and missile strikes reflect its resolve, and even in the darkest hours, India has the power to light up the skies, breaking the threat of nuclear blackmail. The Prime Minister lauded the armed forces for filling the hearts of Indians with pride and remarked that their bravery will inspire generations.
Saluting the courage of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and BSF, he declared that Operation Sindoor has made a historic impact, with the entire nation standing united behind its soldiers. Modi expressed deep gratitude to the armed forces and their families, acknowledging their sacrifices and heroism.
International leaders welcomed ceasefire
International leaders have welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, calling it a crucial step towards regional stability and peace.
An understanding to end cross-border fighting, touted by US President Trump as US-mediated but described by India as a bilateral outcome of DGMO-level talks initiated by Pakistan, quickly faced setbacks. India accused Pakistan of repeated ceasefire violations, prompting swift retaliation by Indian forces. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri urged Pakistan to act responsibly and address the violations, stating that Indian forces remain on high alert with clear instructions to respond firmly to any further breaches along the LoC and International Border.
Taking X, US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday (May 10) that India and Pakistan have agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire” following a night of US-mediated talks. “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire”, Trump posted on Truth Social. He congratulated both nations for “using Common Sense and Great Intelligence.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted Washington’s intensive diplomatic engagement in the lead-up to the breakthrough. “Over the past 48 hours, @VP Vance and I have engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik,” Rubio wrote on X.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the development, urging both nations to build on this progress. “We welcome all efforts to de-escalate the conflict,” Guterres said, underscoring the importance of sustained dialogue to maintain peace.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed deep concern over the recent India-Pakistan tensions, acknowledging the impact on British-Indian and British-Pakistani communities. “The images from India and Pakistan have been deeply worrying,” he said after chairing a COBR emergency meeting.
Lammy emphasised that the UK’s top priority is “sustaining the ceasefire,” adding, “Further conflict is in nobody’s interest.” Over the weekend, he held calls with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. “My message to both was the same, ensure the ceasefire is extended and sustained.”
He noted close coordination with allies including the US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the EU. “We stand ready to work with both sides to make lasting peace a reality,” he said, urging British nationals in the region to follow official travel guidance.
EU Foreign Chief Kaja Kallas emphasised the significance of the ceasefire and the need for vigilance to ensure it holds. “The announced ceasefire between India and Pakistan is a vital step toward de-escalation. All efforts must be made to ensure it is respected,” Kallas posted on X after speaking with Indian and Pakistani officials. “The EU remains committed to peace, stability, and counter-terrorism in the region.”
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and voiced strong support for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. “I sincerely commend Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for agreeing to an immediate ceasefire and initiating talks,” Yunus said. “Bangladesh stands ready to support our two neighbours in resolving differences through diplomacy.”
Saudi Arabia welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, expressing hope that it would help restore peace and stability in the region. In an official statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said, “The Kingdom welcomes the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India and is optimistic it will contribute to regional security. We commend both sides for exercising wisdom and self-restraint and reaffirm our support for resolving disputes through dialogue and peaceful means.”
During the call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, India’s NSA Ajit Doval condemned the deadly Pahalgam terror attack but emphasised that “war is not India’s choice,” stressing the need for targeted counter-terrorism action. Wang condemned the attack, opposed all forms of terrorism, and urged India and Pakistan to de-escalate and resolve issues through dialogue. He praised India’s commitment to peace, saying, “China appreciates India’s restraint and hopes both sides avoid escalation and pursue diplomatic solutions.”
Misinformation spreads amid conflict
Amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions after India's precision strikes under Operation Sindoor, Pakistan-based elements launched misinformation campaigns to spread fear and distort the ground reality. These attempts, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, were swiftly debunked by the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit.
The PIB Fact Check Unit debunked several misleading videos aimed at spreading panic during the India-Pakistan escalation. One viral clip claiming to show a drone strike in Jalandhar was identified as footage of a farm fire posted before any attack began—confirmed by the District Collector. Another video falsely claimed the Pakistani army had destroyed an Indian post; the unit exposed it as staged propaganda, noting that the “20 Raj Battalion” shown does not exist in the Indian Army.
The PIB Fact Check Unit exposed several fake claims amid the India-Pakistan tensions. An old video of the 2020 Beirut blast was falsely shared as a Pakistani missile attack on India. Reports of a ‘fidayeen’ strike in Rajouri were debunked as entirely false. A forged letter from a fake Army Chief, “General VK Narayan,” was also flagged. Claims that the Indian military attacked Amritsar from Ambala Airbase and that airports nationwide had entry bans were dismissed as baseless. These efforts played a key role in countering misinformation and maintaining public trust during the crisis.
India removes Pakistani actors from Bollywood and social media
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has issued an advisory instructing all OTT platforms, streaming services, and digital intermediaries in India to immediately remove content from Pakistan due to national security and public order concerns. This includes the removal of Pakistani actors, such as Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, from Bollywood posters, YouTube video songs, and other media. Additionally, their Instagram profiles have been banned in India amid ongoing tensions and their support for Pakistan.
Heavy damage inflicted on Pakistan
Operation Sindoor showcased India’s military strength and exposed Pakistan’s weak air defence. On the night of May 7–8, Pakistan violated Indian airspace by launching hundreds of drones and artillery across the LoC and International Border, targeting areas in Jammu & Kashmir (Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu), Punjab (Pathankot, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bathinda, Chandigarh), Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
India also slammed Pakistan for endangering civil air traffic by keeping its airspace open during the May 7 drone and missile attacks. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh presented Flightradar24 data showing civil flights near the border, while India had closed its skies to protect civilian aircraft.
Between 2014 and 2024, China became Pakistan’s primary arms supplier, accounting for over 80% of its major weapon imports. Pakistan procured a range of systems—tanks, fighter jets, drones, and air defence—from Beijing, including HQ-9/P and HQ-9BE long-range surface-to-air missiles, deployed to defend key cities and installations. India also penetrated Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied air defence systems and protected its own airspace with a strong, layered defence.
During the conflict, the IMF approved a $1 billion disbursement to Pakistan—raising total funding to $2.1 billion—and cleared an additional $1.4 billion under its Resilience and Sustainability Facility. India abstained from the vote, citing concerns over terrorism financing.
India is believed to have used the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile for the first time in combat during coordinated precision airstrikes on May 10, targeting eight key Pakistani military sites deep inside enemy territory. The strikes followed a series of attempted attacks by Pakistan on Indian military and civilian locations.
Among the major Pakistani bases hit were Rafiqui (Shorkot), Murid, Nur Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian, along with radar sites at Pasrur and Sialkot, and strategic airbases at Skardu, Bholari, Jacobabad, and Sargodha, reportedly causing significant damage.
The Indian Air Force likely used a combination of SCALP missiles, HAMMER munitions, and the BrahMos missile, launched from Rafale jets. While official confirmation of BrahMos' use is still awaited, multiple sources suggest it was deployed.
In a press briefing on May 11, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations, confirmed that India's strikes on nine terror hubs had killed over 100 terrorists, including high-value targets like Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudasir Ahmed, who were involved in the IC-814 hijacking and the Pulwama attack.
Air Marshal AK Bharti echoed this, stating that Operation Sindoor had successfully destroyed terror camps and met its objectives with precision. He emphasised that the goal was to strike designated targets, not tally casualties. "Our job is to hit the target, not to count the body bags," he said.
Following Pakistan’s escalation with a swarm of drones and missiles, India retaliated with precision strikes causing significant damage. The Indian Air Force targeted key Pakistani military assets—including air bases, command centres, infrastructure, and air defence systems—across the Western Front in a coordinated operation.
“We struck deep inside their heart,” said Air Marshal AK Bharti, highlighting hits on airbases such as Chaklala, Rafiqui, and Rahim Yar Khan, followed by strikes on Sargodha, Bhulari, and Jacobabad. Notably, the Rahim Yar Khan airbase in Punjab suffered heavy damage, with its only runway rendered non-operational for a week.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, in a post-ceasefire briefing, confirmed extensive damage to key Pakistani airbases, including Skardu, Sargodha, Jacobabad, and Bhulari. She stated that the destruction of air defence systems and radar installations had rendered Pakistan’s airspace virtually undefendable. Precision strikes across the LoC also crippled military infrastructure, command centres, and logistics hubs, leading to a collapse in both defensive and offensive capabilities.
Air Marshal A.K. Bharti added that Indian forces shot down several advanced Pakistani jets, stating, “Their planes were prevented from entering… there are definitely losses on their side.” While he didn’t specify aircraft types, reports indicate an F-16, possibly two JF-17s, and a Pakistani AWACS were downed.
Following Operation Sindoor, Shahid Kuttay, chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy group The Resistance Front (TRF), was killed in an encounter with security forces in Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir, along with two other terrorists in 'Operation Keller'. Kuttay was linked to the April 2024 attack on German tourists, the May 2024 killing of a BJP Sarpanch, and the February 2025 murder of a TA personnel. At least five top operatives from Pakistan-based terror groups Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed were eliminated in precision strikes on May 7, 2025.
A historic shift in strategy
Operation Sindoor has marked a significant doctrinal shift in India’s defense strategy, establishing that state-sponsored terrorism will now face targeted, visible, and proportional retaliation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised, “Operation Sindoor was not just a military operation, but a testament to India’s political, social, and strategic resolve. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has made it clear that it will take decisive action against terrorism, adhering to a zero-tolerance policy.”
The operation also demonstrated that India would strike against terrorism anywhere, anytime, sending a strong message that terrorists and their masterminds have no safe haven.
According to government sources, Operation Sindoor achieved three key objectives military, political, and psychological sending a powerful signal that India can and will strike at its enemies with precision and force, encapsulating the message: "Ghus ke maarenge", India has the capability to retaliate at will.
