Backing Pakistan after Pahalgam terror attack affects image: India to China

Jammu Tawi, May 12: In an apparent reference to China amid reports of its support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor launched after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, India on Tuesday said that countries attempting to shield terror infrastructure must introspect, as such actions have a direct bearing on their international credibility and reputation.

Responding to questions at a weekly media briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “New Delhi had seen reports confirming what was already known regarding Beijing’s assistance to Islamabad during the military confrontation that followed the April 22, 2025 attack in Pahalgam.”

“It is for nations that consider themselves responsible to reflect on whether supporting attempts to protect terrorist infrastructure affects their reputation and standing,” Jaiswal said.

He said Operation Sindoor was launched as a “precise, targeted and calibrated” response to the Pahalgam attack and was aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure operating from Pakistan and territories under its control.

The remarks came amid reports that China had provided technical support to Pakistan during the military escalation between the two countries last year.

Pertinently, “Operation Sindoor” was a targeted four-day military campaign launched by India from May 7 to 10, 2025, in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists.

The Government of India described the operation as a calibrated tri-services response aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

During the operation, Indian armed forces carried out precision strikes on nine alleged terror training camps linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

Officials said the action was designed to remain targeted and non-escalatory while focusing on terror infrastructure.

The strikes caused significant casualties among terrorist groups. On May 10, 2025, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations reportedly contacted his Indian counterpart seeking a cessation of firing, which India subsequently agreed to, bringing the brief India-Pakistan military confrontation to a halt.