Nikki Haley supports India’s right to defend itself against terrorism

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iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

Nikki Haley, the Indian-origin former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, expressed strong support for India’s right to defend itself following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that claimed the lives of 26 Indian citizens.

Haley took to social media, emphasizing that India had every right to retaliate and protect its citizens.

She also criticized Pakistan, stating that no country should be allowed to support terrorist activities without facing consequences. “Pakistan does not get to play the victim,” Haley wrote on X, adding that no nation should escape accountability for supporting terrorism.

In response to the attack, the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on Wednesday (local time), May 7, carrying out precision strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, stated that the Pahalgam attack represented an “original escalation” by Pakistan, and India’s response was “controlled, precise, measured, considered and non-escalatory”.

Misri emphasized that India was not seeking to escalate the situation but was acting in retaliation to Pakistan’s actions. He also made it clear that India’s strikes targeted only terrorist infrastructure, not military installations, further stressing that the intent was to avoid broader conflict.

Misri also addressed Pakistan’s opposition to the role of The Resistance Front (TRF) in the attack during discussions at the United Nations Security Council. He noted that TRF had claimed responsibility for the attack twice, and reaffirmed India’s position that its response was measured and necessary.

Misri pointed out that Pakistan’s reputation as a haven for global terrorism was well-documented, citing the discovery of Osama bin Laden on Pakistani soil and the presence of numerous UN-proscribed terrorists within the country. He also referred to recent statements from Pakistani officials acknowledging their country’s involvement with terrorist groups.

In closing, Misri remarked on the troubling image of Pakistan honoring terrorists with state funerals and national flags, a gesture that he described as “odd” considering the country’s support for such groups.

(Photo courtesy: x.com/NikkiHaley)