Protecting terror base hurts reputation: India
India on Tuesday intensified its diplomatic response toward both China and Pakistan following reports that Beijing provided on-ground support to Islamabad during Operation Sindoor. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said nations attempting to shield terror infrastructure must consider the consequences such actions could have on their international reputation and credibility.
Addressing the issue during the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said recent reports only confirmed India’s earlier assessment regarding external backing received by Pakistan during the conflict.
“We have seen reports that corroborate what was known earlier,” Jaiswal stated. Reaffirming New Delhi’s position, the MEA described Operation Sindoor as part of India’s broader counter-terrorism campaign targeting Pakistan-backed militant infrastructure.
“Operation Sindoor was a precise, targeted, and calibrated response to the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam aimed at destroying terrorist infrastructure operating out of Pakistan and at its behest,” Jaiswal said.
He further added, “It is for nations that consider themselves responsible to reflect whether supporting attempts to protect terrorist infrastructure affects their reputation and standing.” The comments represent one of India’s strongest public responses so far to reports alleging Chinese operational or strategic assistance to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, which was launched after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year.
Although the MEA stopped short of directly accusing China of military involvement, the remarks signalled increasing concern in New Delhi over Beijing’s continued strategic alignment with Pakistan, particularly during India’s counter-terror operations.
India has consistently maintained that Operation Sindoor specifically targeted terror camps and infrastructure linked to militant groups operating from Pakistani territory. Officials have repeatedly described the strikes as “measured” and “non-escalatory,” emphasising that the operation was focused solely on dismantling terror networks rather than provoking wider military escalation.
