India's Strong Warning Against Terrorism Following Recent Conflict with Pakistan

Approximately three weeks after a brief yet intense conflict between India and Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has issued a stern warning regarding future provocations from terrorists. He emphasized that India will not hesitate to retaliate, regardless of the location of the threat. During his official visit to Brussels for high-level trade discussions with the European Union, Jaishankar stated in an interview with a news outlet, "If they are deep inside Pakistan, we will go deep inside Pakistan." This remark reflects one of the most stringent positions taken by the Indian government on cross-border terrorism in recent months.

 

Jaishankar further remarked to the news outlet that Pakistan is a nation deeply entrenched in using terrorism as a tool of state policy. This is the crux of the issue. When asked if the circumstances that led to last month's hostilities still exist, he replied, "If you consider the commitment to terrorism as a source of tension, then certainly, it is." The conflict erupted following a deadly terrorist attack in early May in the Indian-administered region, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, primarily Hindus.

 

India has accused Pakistan of sponsoring the attack, a claim that Islamabad has denied. The conflict saw several days of missile exchanges and airstrikes between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, culminating in a ceasefire declared on May 10. Both nations claimed victory, although their narratives regarding the events differed significantly. Initially, India dismissed claims of downing multiple Pakistani fighter jets, but later, a senior Indian military official acknowledged the loss of aircraft without providing specific details.