India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, has issued a stern warning to Pakistan, asserting that India will not hesitate to target terrorists operating within Pakistani territory. In an interview conducted during his visit to the Netherlands on May 19-20, Jaishankar emphasized that India seeks a definitive end to cross-border terrorism and will take decisive action if threats persist.
Jaishankar’s remarks come in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, a military response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 25 Indian tourists. The operation involved missile strikes targeting alleged terrorist camps in Pakistan, leading to heightened tensions between the two nations. A ceasefire was agreed upon on May 10, following direct negotiations between Indian and Pakistani military officials.
Addressing claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump that the United States mediated the ceasefire, Jaishankar clarified that while American officials were in contact with both sides, the cessation of hostilities was negotiated directly between New Delhi and Islamabad. He stated that the fighting ceased after Pakistan’s army conveyed its readiness to stop firing, to which India responded accordingly.
During his European tour, Jaishankar also engaged with leaders from Germany and Denmark, aiming to strengthen India’s relations with key European nations. A crucial focus of the visit was to raise awareness about Pakistan’s involvement in cross-border terrorism and to discuss India’s firm stance on national security.
In a related development, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged the Netherlands to halt the supply of arms and military technology to Pakistan, citing its history of sponsoring terrorism. During a meeting with his Dutch counterpart, Singh emphasized that equipping Pakistan with defense equipment undermines regional security and stability in South Asia.
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22, was claimed by The Resistance Front, a militant group linked to Pakistan-based organizations. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting what it described as terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. Pakistan, however, claimed that the Indian strikes targeted civilian areas, resulting in casualties.
Following the escalation, both countries agreed to a ceasefire on May 10. While the United States and other nations welcomed the cessation of hostilities, Jaishankar reiterated that India’s stance on terrorism remains unchanged. He emphasized that India will continue to take firm action against cross-border terrorism and will not tolerate any threats to its national security.
Pakistan’s Military Leadership Asserts Defiance Amid Regional Tensions 