Former UK PM Rishi Sunak Backs India’s Anti-Terror Operation

Former UK PM Rishi Sunak Backs India’s Anti-Terror Operation

Sunak’s Support for India

Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak publicly supported India’s military action, Operation Sindoor, on May 7, 2025. The operation targeted nine terror camps across the India-Pakistan border.

It was a response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, including tourists. Sunak posted on X, stating, “India is justified in striking terrorist infrastructure. There can be no impunity for terrorists.”

He condemned the attack as “barbaric” and expressed the UK’s solidarity with India. His statement came days after the operation, highlighting his stance against terrorism and support for India’s security measures.

Background of the Statement

Sunak’s support follows a tragic attack claimed by The Resistance Front, a militant group. The Pahalgam attack shocked India, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. Global leaders, including US President Donald Trump, also condemned the attack.

Sunak had previously spoken out against the Pahalgam attack on April 24, 2025, calling it a theft of innocent lives. His recent statement aligns with his consistent criticism of terrorism and strengthens his image as a friend of India. The timing, just before UK-India trade talks, suggests a strategic move to foster goodwill.

Sunak’s Connection to India

Rishi Sunak, the UK’s first prime minister of Indian heritage, has deep ties to India. Born to Indian parents who migrated from East Africa, his grandparents hailed from Punjab.

His wife, Akshata Murty, is the daughter of Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty.

Sunak is a practicing Hindu and takes pride in his roots, often visiting Indian cultural sites like the Taj Mahal during his February 2025 India trip. As prime minister from October 2022 to July 2024, he pushed for stronger India-UK ties, including trade and technology partnerships. Prime Minister Modi has called him a “great friend of India.”

How and When He Supported India

Sunak’s support was voiced on May 7, 2025, via a post on X, where he backed India’s right to strike terror camps. He had earlier condemned the Pahalgam attack on April 24, 2025, writing on X, “The barbaric attack in Pahalgam has stolen the lives of newlyweds, children, and families.” During his February 2025 visit to India, he met Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, discussing stronger bilateral ties. His actions, from public statements to high-profile visits, show consistent support for India’s security and economic goals.

Impact of His Support

Sunak’s endorsement carries weight due to his global stature and Indian heritage. It strengthens India’s position on the world stage, especially amid tensions with Pakistan. His statement may boost UK-India relations, particularly as trade talks resumed in February 2025.

For India’s diaspora in the UK, it reinforces pride in their heritage, given Sunak’s historic role as a British Indian leader. However, critics on social media called his support “shameless,” reflecting polarized views.

While no longer in power, Sunak’s voice influences diplomatic narratives, potentially aiding India’s anti-terrorism stance and deepening bilateral cooperation.

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