Five Countries That Boosted India's Global Standing—One Even Made a U-Turn

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India responded with a powerful counter-operation against Pakistan. But the country's strategy didn’t end there. India sent diplomatic delegations around the world to expose Pakistan’s role in supporting terrorism. The message was clear—India would not tolerate any threat to its sovereignty, and the world should take note.

The impact was swift and visible. In just seven days, five countries took strong stances that elevated India's global image, with one even retracting its earlier position and extending support to India. Here's how India’s global standing received a major boost:

1. Russia Backs Strengthening of India-Russia-China (RIC) Platform

Russia took a significant step by advocating for the revival of the RIC trilateral platform—a dialogue mechanism between Russia, India, and China. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made the statement amid increasing military activities by the US-led QUAD alliance in the Indo-Pacific.

Lavrov emphasized that India participates in international forums for peaceful cooperation and trade, unlike other members who aim for militarization. If RIC is reactivated, it could balance US influence in the region and allow India to maintain strategic autonomy between the East and the West.

2. Australia Stands with India Against Terrorism

Amid global attention on India’s diplomatic outreach, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles visited India on a two-day official trip. His visit came at a crucial time, especially as Australia is a core member of the QUAD alliance.

During his meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Marles condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and offered condolences to the victims' families. He clearly stated that Australia stands with India in the fight against terrorism, reinforcing bilateral defense ties.

3. Historic Visit by Paraguay’s President

In a rare diplomatic move, Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios visited India—only the second such visit since India’s independence. He met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, affirming Paraguay's support for India against terrorism.

Peña described India as not just a country, but a civilization, acknowledging its global and civilizational contributions. His remarks signified a strengthening of India’s ties with South American nations, a region traditionally distant from Indian diplomacy.

4. Malaysia Ignores Pakistan’s Religious Appeal

During a diplomatic visit by Indian MPs to Malaysia, Pakistan’s embassy tried to sabotage the tour by invoking religious solidarity. It urged Malaysia to cancel all 10 scheduled programs, saying, "We are both Islamic nations—don’t support India."

However, Malaysia refused to entertain the request. Not only did the government allow the Indian delegation to proceed with all engagements, but also extended a grand welcome. The Indian team met with leaders of the People’s Justice Party (PKR), led by YB Sim Tze Tjin, a former minister under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

5. Colombia Makes a 360-Degree U-Turn

Initially, Colombia had expressed condolences for casualties in Pakistan during India's Operation Sindoor, which caused diplomatic friction. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who led a delegation to Colombia, expressed disappointment over the gesture.

Following this, Colombia reversed its stance. Deputy Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio clarified that, based on new information and context provided by India, Colombia was ready to continue a constructive dialogue and recognized the situation in Kashmir more clearly.