The military strikes carried out by India under ‘Operation Sindoor’ have heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, drawing international attention. China, a key regional player, has urged both nations to exercise restraint in light of the strikes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace in the region. The operation, aimed at neutralizing terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), was India’s direct response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025. China’s call for calm comes amid rising military activity and cross-border skirmishes.

China’s Official Statement on the Military Action
In a statement issued on May 7, 2025, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret over India’s military actions, labeling them as regrettable while urging both India and Pakistan to de-escalate the situation. “China opposes all forms of terrorism,” the statement read, adding that both nations should prioritize peace and stability, stressing the need for calm and restraint. China also reiterated that India and Pakistan, as neighbors, should avoid actions that could complicate the situation further, echoing its long-standing stance of non-interference but promoting stability in South Asia.

The Background of India’s Military Operation
The strike on May 7 was conducted in response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali. India’s Operation Sindoor targeted nine key locations linked to the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist groups, including significant strongholds in Bahawalpur and Muridke. The operation, which involved the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, was seen as a precision strike aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure used to plan and launch attacks on Indian soil.

Escalation on the Border: Pakistan’s Retaliation
Following India’s missile strikes, Pakistan launched retaliatory shelling across several districts along the Line of Control (LoC), particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. This escalation resulted in civilian casualties, with six reported dead and over 30 injured in the Pakistani shelling. The situation on the ground remains tense, with local schools and universities in border regions temporarily closed, and military forces on high alert. The Indian military has responded to these ceasefire violations in a calibrated manner, ensuring that the response remains focused on the security threat posed by cross-border terrorism.

The International Community’s Call for Restraint
The international community, including the United Nations, has called for both India and Pakistan to step back from military escalation. Diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent the situation from spiraling into full-blown conflict. With China’s appeal for restraint, the situation remains at a critical juncture, and global powers are closely monitoring the developments. India’s Ministry of Defence, however, has made it clear that its actions were measured and focused solely on terrorist targets, underscoring that no Pakistani military facilities were hit during the operation.

A Delicate Path Forward
The unfolding crisis, centered on ‘Operation Sindoor’ and the subsequent shelling along the LoC, places India and Pakistan in a precarious situation. While China’s call for restraint aims to prevent further escalation, the broader international community is watching closely, hoping that both countries will prioritize peace and stability over military confrontation. As the region stands at a crossroads, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether diplomatic or military responses will dominate the narrative going forward.

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Source – hindustantimes.com