On Wednesday, Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav expressed support for India’s military strikes on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He emphasized that the battle against terrorism is a prolonged one that must focus on eradicating its roots, rather than just addressing the symptoms.

India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, by The Resistance Front, which killed 26 civilians, including a Nepalese national. Speaking to reporters at the SP headquarters, Yadav reiterated his party's backing for strong action against terrorism, recalling the SP's position during the all-party meeting in Delhi following the attack. "The Samajwadi Party had clearly stated in the all-party meeting that it stands firmly with the government on any necessary action," he stated.

He further added, "When the root of terrorism is targeted, its branches will eventually die. This is a long struggle, and we must stay vigilant about border security. There should be no room for negligence." Yadav expressed full confidence in the Indian Armed Forces, declaring, "We trust our Army and security forces completely."

He also called for India to take a stronger position in the global fight against terrorism, asserting, "The whole world is combating terrorism, and India must do so with even more determination." Regarding the upcoming all-party meeting, Yadav mentioned that SP’s national principal general secretary, Ram Gopal Yadav, would represent the party and present its suggestions.

Addressing the Centre's Agnipath recruitment scheme, Yadav criticized the contradictory stance of those who once claimed that modern warfare wouldn’t require traditional forces, leading to the Agniveer initiative. He pointed out that these same individuals are now returning to conventional approaches. He questioned the long-term sustainability of such policies and called for a more stable and strategic national defense plan.