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In a strong and assertive response to a protest organized by Pakistani nationals outside the Indian Chancery building in Lisbon, the Indian Embassy in Portugal has reaffirmed its stance under the ongoing ‘Operation Sindoor.’ Describing the demonstration as a ‘desperate provocation,’ the Embassy emphasized that India remains resolute in its commitment to counter any form of intimidation.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Indian Embassy stated, ‘Embassy of India in Portugal responded firmly with Operation Sindoor to the cowardly protest organised by Pakistan near our Chancery building. We thank the Government of Portugal and its police authorities for their support in ensuring the safety and security of the Embassy.’ The statement was accompanied by images of Indian officials standing on the balcony of the Embassy office with banners that read, ‘Operation Sindoor is not yet over.’
India’s Ambassador to Portugal, Puneet Roy Kundal, echoed this sentiment, reinforcing that the protests organized by Pakistan were met with a ‘silent yet strong and resolute message.’ ‘All the Embassy officers were steadfast in this approach,’ Kundal stated, highlighting the unified stance of the diplomatic mission.
Operation Sindoor: A Strategic Response to Terrorism
Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian armed forces on May 7 in response to a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were brutally killed by terrorists on April 22. Under the military operation, nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) were targeted and destroyed.
India clarified that its actions were focused, measured, and non-escalatory, aiming to dismantle terrorist strongholds without provoking a broader conflict. Despite this, Pakistan escalated tensions by launching drone and missile attacks on Indian territory, compelling New Delhi to respond with intensified military operations.
After several days of military engagement, the conflict subsided following a ceasefire agreement reached between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO) of both nations. The ceasefire, effective on land, sea, and air, was intended to prevent further escalation and restore stability in the region.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Provocation in Portugal
The protest organized by Pakistani nationals near the Indian Embassy in Lisbon was perceived as an attempt to internationalize the conflict and project Pakistan’s grievances over India’s military actions under Operation Sindoor. The protestors gathered outside the Chancery building, voicing their objections to India’s counter-terrorism operations and accusing New Delhi of aggression.
In response, Indian officials displayed banners with the emphatic statement, ‘Operation Sindoor is not yet over,’ underscoring India’s unwavering stance against terrorism. The Embassy labeled the demonstration as ‘cowardly,’ asserting that India would not be intimidated by such provocations.
Portugal’s Response and Support
India expressed its appreciation to the Portuguese government and law enforcement agencies for ensuring the security of the Embassy premises. The swift intervention by Portuguese authorities prevented the situation from escalating further and enabled Indian officials to maintain a firm but composed stance against the protest.
International Reactions and Strategic Implications
India’s Operation Sindoor and its diplomatic response in Portugal have garnered attention from international observers. While India maintains that its military actions are targeted and defensive in nature, Pakistan continues to decry the operation as unwarranted aggression.
Strategic analysts believe that India’s assertive diplomatic messaging in Portugal is a calculated move to convey its resolve in combating terrorism while also highlighting Pakistan’s role in harboring terror infrastructure.
As tensions remain high in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, India’s diplomatic missions worldwide are likely to remain vigilant against potential provocations and misinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting its counter-terrorism efforts.
India’s response in Portugal is a clear signal that it will continue to defend its actions against terrorism while countering attempts by adversaries to distort the narrative through diplomatic and propaganda measures.
