Indian-American Republican leader and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, has come out strongly in support of India’s right to defend itself following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. In a sharply worded statement on social media, Haley declared, “Pakistan does not get to play the victim. No country gets a pass for supporting terrorist activity.”

India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the attack, carrying out precision strikes using drones and missiles on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The camps were reportedly linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Indian forces also neutralized Pakistani air defence radars, including installations in Lahore.

Haley emphasized India’s right to retaliate and defend its citizens, saying the country acted well within its rights after facing such a horrific loss of life. Her post on X (formerly Twitter) received over 3.8 million views, reflecting strong engagement and support.

Haley, born Nimrata Randhawa to Sikh Indian immigrants, is known for her firm stance on national security and foreign policy. Her comments echoed the sentiments of Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, who also expressed support for India’s counterterrorism efforts, stating that the U.S. stands with India in the wake of the “horrific Islamist terrorist attack.”

As tensions escalate in the region, Haley’s remarks reinforce growing international acknowledgment of India’s right to take decisive action against terrorism. Her blunt message to Pakistan underscores a broader call for accountability in the fight against cross-border terrorism.