India-Pakistan Conflict: Which Countries Backed India or Pakistan, and Who Stayed Neutral? Eyes on Russia and China

As military tensions between India and Pakistan escalate following Operation Sindoor, global reactions are beginning to shape diplomatic alliances. The world is closely watching the responses from major powers like the United States, Russia, and China, especially given the nuclear capabilities of both South Asian neighbors.

Amid the hostilities, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reached out to 10 countries, including the United States, Italy, and members of the European Union, emphasizing India’s right to self-defense against cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.

United States: Supports Dialogue, Rejects Pakistan's Appeal

Despite Pakistan reaching out to the U.S. for assistance, the Biden administration has made its stance clear. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate talks with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar. However, the U.S. has refused to intervene directly.

U.S. Vice President Jandy Vance stated, "This is not America's role to prevent war. However, we encourage both sides to avoid escalation and seek dialogue."

Israel: Firm Support for India

Israel has openly backed India. Its ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said:

"Israel stands by India's right to defend itself. Those who commit acts of terror must know they cannot hide."

Turkey and Azerbaijan: Support Pakistan

Turkey, a long-time ally of Pakistan, expressed concern over the conflict but signaled support for Islamabad. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Turkey is “worried about our brothers and sisters in Pakistan” and offered to mediate rather than escalate the conflict.

Similarly, Azerbaijan has aligned diplomatically with Pakistan during the ongoing crisis.

Brazil, Norway, and Nepal Support India’s Anti-Terror Stand

• Brazil has condemned terrorism in all forms and indirectly criticized Pakistan. It urged restraint from both sides.
• Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth supported India’s right to act against terrorism and condemned the Pahalgam attack that triggered Operation Sindoor.
• Nepal issued a statement that indirectly backed India, saying, "No nation should allow its soil to be used for terrorism."

Russia and China: Cautious and Calculative

The positions of Russia and China remain critical and closely watched:

• China, Pakistan’s traditional ally, has so far avoided openly backing Islamabad, a move that has surprised analysts. No official statement in Pakistan’s favor has been released.
• Russia, engaged in its own conflict in Ukraine, has taken a balanced stance. President Vladimir Putin met Chinese President Xi Jinping recently in Moscow, but neither made any significant public commitment regarding India or Pakistan.

Global Outlook: India Gains Diplomatic Momentum

India’s diplomatic efforts appear to have garnered broad support from the West and neighboring countries concerned about Pakistan’s history of supporting terror groups. While countries like Turkey continue to back Pakistan, the overall international sentiment seems to lean toward India’s right to counter terrorism.

As the conflict continues, the global focus will remain on whether Russia and China will eventually break their silence or maintain a neutral position to avoid escalating the situation into a wider geopolitical crisis.