External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar delivered India’s first official global message after the successful execution of Operation Sindoor. Taking to social media just hours after Indian armed forces carried out precision missile strikes on terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), Jaishankar stated:
“The world must show zero tolerance for terrorism.”
This one-line message summed up India’s stance on cross-border terrorism while also serving as a call to action for the global community. The airstrikes were carried out in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 innocent lives, including 25 Indian tourists and one local pony ride operator in Jammu & Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Operation Sindoor: A Measured Yet Strong Response
Launched in the early hours of May 7, 2025, Operation Sindoor involved 24 precision missile strikes on nine identified terrorist launchpads. These camps were operated by known terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen, which have long operated from Pakistan and POK with impunity.
The strikes were timed around 1:44 AM to ensure there were no civilian casualties, a move that not only showed India’s military capability but also its moral restraint. Importantly, the strikes avoided Pakistani military or government installations, making it clear that the objective was limited: destroy terror infrastructure, not provoke war.
India’s Strategic Communication: Jaishankar Leads the Diplomacy
Dr. Jaishankar’s brief but forceful statement reflects a broader shift in India’s diplomatic posture — one that is no longer defensive, but assertively positions India as a responsible global power that takes action when national security is threatened. The foreign minister’s remark was not made in isolation. In the days leading up to the operation, Jaishankar personally reached out to counterparts from several non-permanent member states of the UN Security Council, including Greece, Slovenia, Algeria, Panama, Somalia, Guyana, and Sierra Leone.
These outreach efforts were not just about informing allies — they were about pre-empting misinformation, framing the narrative, and ensuring India’s actions were seen through the lens of legitimate self-defence against terrorism. This proactive diplomacy is a hallmark of India’s evolving foreign policy under Jaishankar’s leadership.
Why This One-Line Statement Matters Globally
The gravity of Jaishankar’s statement lies in its timing and clarity. It was issued shortly after the military operation concluded, reinforcing that the strikes were part of a deliberate and lawful response. At a time when some nations still equivocate on defining terrorism or remain cautious about naming state sponsors, India’s statement brings rare clarity.
The message was especially directed at global powers that are often quick to urge de-escalation but slow to confront the root causes of violence. In this case, the root cause is well-known: Pakistan’s long-standing use of terrorist groups as strategic assets against India. Jaishankar’s statement puts the onus on the global community to move beyond sympathy and show real solidarity through coordinated action against terror networks and their enablers.
Global Reactions and Strategic Silence
The international response to Operation Sindoor has, so far, been largely measured. Countries like France, Russia, and Israel have reportedly expressed support for India’s right to self-defence. Meanwhile, China, a close ally of Pakistan, adopted a neutral tone, calling for calm and dialogue between both nations. Notably, Pakistan is currently a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, a fact that complicates the global diplomatic equation.
By engaging with the rest of the Security Council ahead of the strikes, Jaishankar ensured that India’s position was well understood. His conversations helped minimize any potential backlash and reinforced the legitimacy of India’s limited, non-escalatory military response.
India’s Consistent Stand on Terrorism
India has long maintained that Pakistan is a hub of terrorism, a claim backed by multiple intelligence dossiers and investigations, both domestic and international. From the 2008 Mumbai attacks to the Pulwama bombing in 2019, and now the Pahalgam massacre, there is a consistent pattern of terrorist attacks originating from across the border.
Despite repeated warnings and appeals to the international community, Pakistan has failed to dismantle these terror networks. In this context, Operation Sindoor and Jaishankar’s statement reflect a change in India’s posture — one that refuses to wait for external approval to defend its citizens.
Conclusion
Dr. S. Jaishankar’s one-line message following Operation Sindoor is more than a diplomatic statement — it is a strategic doctrine. It encapsulates India’s determination to defend its sovereignty, protect its citizens, and lead a global campaign against terrorism. As India continues to engage the world through diplomacy and decisive action, it reinforces its position as a responsible power — one that expects the same accountability from others.