On May 7, 2025, the Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, a decisive military operation targeting terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This was in response to the brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 civilians lost their lives on April 22.
Pakistan Protest at Indian Embassy in Portugal
Recently, Pakistani nationals organised a protest outside the Indian Embassy chancery building in Lisbon, Portugal. The demonstration was described by the Indian Embassy as a “desperate provocation” and was met with a firm and resolute response from India.
The Embassy issued a public statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), thanking the Portuguese government and police authorities for ensuring the safety and security of the embassy during the protest. See official statement here.
Photos accompanying the post showed Indian officials standing on the embassy balcony, with banners prominently displayed reading: “Operation Sindoor is not yet over.”
The Embassy called the protest “cowardly” and emphasised that India will not be intimidated by such actions, reaffirming its unwavering resolve.
India’s Ambassador to Portugal, Puneet Roy Kundal, also echoed this sentiment on X, stating that the protests were met with a “silent yet strong and resolute message” signalling that Operation Sindoor continues.
Background: Operation Sindoor and India-Pakistan Tensions
Operation Sindoor was launched in direct response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which was widely condemned internationally. The operation effectively destroyed nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
India has maintained that its response was focused, measured, and non-escalatory, intended solely to neutralize terror threats. However, Pakistan escalated tensions by launching drone and missile attacks on Indian territory. After days of fighting, military leaders from both countries reached a ceasefire agreement covering land, sea, and air operations. Read Reuters report on ceasefire.
What This Means for India’s Diplomatic Posture
India’s firm stance in Portugal, combined with its military response, sends a clear message of resilience and determination to the international community. The Indian government’s handling of the Pakistan protest underlines its refusal to be cowed by hostile acts abroad and highlights growing diplomatic coordination with host nations like Portugal.
For more on India-Portugal diplomatic relations, visit the Ministry of External Affairs official release.
Published on May 19, 2025 | Updated May 19, 2025 | Written by Sanstuti Nath
