Delivering a firm message to Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar declared that India will never give in to nuclear threats and will continue to respond strongly to terrorism.
Speaking at an event in Gujarat’s Vadodara, Jaishankar condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, calling it a deliberate attempt to derail Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism economy and provoke religious discord.
“This barbaric act demanded an exemplary response — and it was delivered,” Jaishankar said, referring to India’s targeted strikes on terrorist command centres in Bahawalpur and Muridke, Pakistan.
Issuing a stern warning, Jaishankar emphasized, “It is imperative that those who sponsor, nurture, and utilize terrorism are made to pay a high cost.” Reaffirming India’s zero-tolerance policy, he added that nuclear blackmail would never dictate India’s decisions, and national interest remains paramount.
The EAM noted that many nations stood with India, acknowledging its right to defend itself in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. “It was heartening to see international understanding of India’s position,” he said, applauding the growing global consensus against terror.
Addressing broader geopolitical issues, Jaishankar warned of new forms of global domination emerging in the post-colonial world. “Some nations misuse globalization to assert unfair dominance, issuing biased judgments,” he said, critiquing transactional diplomacy.
Jaishankar stressed that India’s foreign policy is rooted in mutual respect, compassion, and cultural understanding. “Though our resources may be limited, India has a large heart,” he remarked, urging global leaders to prioritize fairness, tradition, and cooperation.
This address comes amid heightened tensions following India’s robust anti-terror response and international efforts to expose cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan.
