Operation Sindoor: Indian-American lawmakers voice support for India, back India’s right to self-defenceIndian-American lawmakers strongly backed India’s right to defend itself on the launch of Operation Sindoor, a precision military strike on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.India retaliated in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed by the Pakistan-backed terrorists.

US Congressman Shri Thanedar called the operation a “justified response” to what he described as barbaric killings of civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. “India has the right to defend itself after what happened in Pahalgam. Terrorists were focused on killing Hindus… India’s response is a necessary retaliation. I urge the United States to stand by India and support its right to protect its people and its territory,” Thanedar was quoted by news agency ANI.Thanedar also urged for deeper cooperation between the US and India to tackle global terrorism. “War is never a solution, but terrorism must have consequences. The US must stand behind democracies and peaceful nations like India,” he added.Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi condemned the Pahalgam killings, calling them “horrific,” and said the urgency to fight terrorism has grown. However, he cautioned against escalation. “It is essential to avoid broader conflict. At the same time, Pakistan must release Imran Khan and uphold democracy by ensuring free and fair elections,” he told ANI.Representative Ro Khanna took a balanced approach in an interview with CNN. While acknowledging India’s response to the deadly attack, he said, “The most urgent thing now is de-escalation. This should be the end of it.” He also criticised Pakistan’s military leadership for stifling democracy, calling Army Chief Aseem Munir a “dictator.”Senator Risch backs India’s pursuit of justiceUS senate foreign relations committee chairman Senator Jim Risch also voiced support for India’s efforts to bring the Pahalgam attackers to justice, but raised concerns over growing tensions between India and Pakistan. “The escalating tension between India and Pakistan is concerning. I support the Indian government’s pursuit of justice against the attackers in Pahalgam, but I urge caution and respect for civilians on both sides,” Risch said in a post on X.Operation Sindoor was carried out early Wednesday by the Indian Armed Forces. According to defence ministry, the strike was “focused, measured and non-escalatory,” with no Pakistani military targets hit. Terror bases linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sialkot, and parts of PoK were destroyed.Indian officials also briefed global partners, including the US, on the operation. Foreign secretary Vikram Misri said the Pahalgam massacre was aimed at derailing peace in Kashmir. “Victims were executed at close range in front of family members. This was meant to terrorise communities,” he said.