Op-Ed: The world’s response to Pahalgam falls short—India deserves better

India’s precision in Operation Sindoor deserves global recognition

On April 22, 2025, terror struck Pahalgam, a serene valley in India’s Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists, were gunned down in cold blood. India pinned the attack on The Resistance Front, a group it says is backed by Pakistan’s ISI intelligence agency, with evidence pointing to planning in Pakistani cities. India’s response, “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, was a model of restraint—precise missile strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan, avoiding civilian or military targets. Yet, the world’s reaction has been a mixed bag. While some nations, like the US and Israel, stand firmly with India, others—like the G7 and UN—have resorted to a maddening “both sides” narrative, as if India’s defense is as culpable as Pakistan’s alleged complicity. As an American observer, I’m troubled by this equivocation. When India is the victim attacked by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, it’s not fair to treat it like the aggressor. The US should lead the charge in demanding accountability, not neutrality.

For Americans unfamiliar with India’s struggles, imagine a tourist hotspot like Yosemite suddenly targeted by gunmen, killing dozens just for being there, and that too killed for being Hindu men (one Christian was also killed). That’s Pahalgam—a place meant for peace, shattered by religiously motivated violence. India’s government traced the attack to Pakistan’s ISI, much like how the US linked 9/11 to Al-Qaeda. Operation Sindoor was India’s answer: a surgical strike to neutralize terrorist hideouts without escalating into war. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was clear: “Terror and talks cannot go together.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh echoed this, signaling readiness for more if terrorism persists. Pakistan’s response—artillery fire and dubious claims of downing Indian jets—only heightened tensions, unlike India’s measured approach.

The US got it right. President Donald Trump declared, “The United States stands strong with India against terrorism,” on Truth Social[1]. Vice President J D Vance, in India at the time, condemned the attack, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged support for India’s anti-terrorism fight. Congress showed bipartisan resolve, with 73 House members and 20 Senators backing India. Israel was equally firm, with Ambassador Reuven Azar stating, “Terrorists should know there’s no place to hide”.

Israel supports India’s right for self defense. Terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent. #OperationSindoor

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