Donald Trump, the President of the United States, reacted sharply to the recent India-Pakistan missile strikes conducted under Operation Sindoor, calling the escalation “terrible” and expressing hope that both countries would de-escalate tensions soon. His reaction came after India launched precision military strikes targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday, in retaliation for the Pahalgam massacre in which 26 civilians lost their lives.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Donald Trump said, “It is so terrible. I get along with both. I know both very well. I want to see them work it out, I want to see them stop. Hopefully, they can stop now.” Trump has previously offered to mediate between the two nuclear-armed neighbours and repeated his stance, stating that he was deeply troubled by the turn of events and would be willing to step in if both sides agreed.

He further added, “We just heard about it as we were walking through the doors of the Oval. Just heard about it. I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past. They've been fighting for a long time. They've been fighting for many, many decades. And centuries, actually, if you think about it. I hope it ends very quickly.”

This statement comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following India’s missile strikes on known terror facilities, such as Markaz Taiba in Muridke, Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur, and Hizbul Mujahideen’s facility in Sialkot, among others. These actions were part of the Operation Sindoor, a focused military operation by the Indian Armed Forces to eliminate terror hideouts in retaliation for the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

India's Ministry of Defence described the operation as "focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature", clarifying that no Pakistani military installations were targeted. According to Indian officials, these strikes were necessary due to Pakistan’s lack of demonstrable action against the terror groups operating from its soil. The strikes were intended solely to dismantle terror infrastructure and avoid any military confrontation.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's military, through DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, acknowledged that Indian missile strikes had hit areas in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bahawalpur, specifically a mosque believed to be used by terrorist elements in Ahmed East. This confirmation contradicts any attempt by Islamabad to deny Indian action and clearly reflects the magnitude of the strikes.

In response to these developments, the US State Department issued a cautious statement saying, “We are aware of the reports, however we have no assessment to offer at this time. This remains an evolving situation, and we are closely monitoring developments.” This shows that the United States is maintaining a watchful approach, refraining from immediate judgment while emphasizing the importance of regional peace.

Donald Trump's mediation offer is not new. In the past, especially during his earlier tenure, Trump had claimed he was ready to mediate on the Kashmir issue, though his offer was never accepted by India, which maintains Kashmir as a bilateral issue under the Simla Agreement.

While Trump's statement might appear neutral on the surface, the timing of his remarks and the emphasis on knowing “both very well” reflects a diplomatic balancing act aimed at urging calm without favouring one side. However, such offers from global leaders often underscore the geopolitical implications of any military confrontation in South Asia, especially between two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Operation Sindoor marks another major chapter in India’s assertive military doctrine, echoing past actions like the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. It sends a clear message that India will act decisively in response to terror attacks planned or executed from across the border.

International reactions have started to pour in, but most countries, including the United Kingdom, Russia, and France, have adopted a cautious tone, urging both nations to show restraint and avoid escalation. However, there is a growing acknowledgement that India’s actions were in response to unprovoked terrorism, and that the targeted nature of the strikes helps contain the fallout.

For the Indian public, the operation and Trump’s remarks have triggered mixed reactions. Many see it as a moment of national pride and justice for the Pahalgam victims, while others call for continued diplomatic efforts to prevent full-scale conflict.

The timing of this development is also crucial in the larger geopolitical context. With elections approaching in the United States, Trump’s involvement and public comments may also be viewed as strategic, aimed at showcasing his global diplomatic relevance.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on New Delhi and Islamabad. Will Pakistan retaliate militarily? Or will it escalate the issue diplomatically at international forums like the United Nations? On the other hand, will India remain committed to non-escalatory targeted responses, or will it increase pressure on terror outfits?

One thing remains clear: Donald Trump’s intervention may not be officially recognised by either nation, but his words do reflect the growing international concern over the need to de-escalate the situation swiftly. His remark, “Hopefully, they can stop now,” captures a global desire to avoid further bloodshed, even as Operation Sindoor continues to dominate headlines.

In conclusion, Donald Trump’s reaction to Operation Sindoor, combined with the measured nature of India’s strikes, the confirmed casualties in Pakistan, and the ongoing diplomatic watch by the US and others, paints a picture of a highly volatile but carefully calibrated geopolitical episode. With stakes so high, the world continues to monitor the subcontinent with keen interest, hoping for peace but preparing for further developments.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Virtual Galaxy Infotech, Wagons Learning.

The Closed IPOs are Srigee DLM, Manoj Jewellers.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.