New Delhi, May 8 – Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri asserted on Thursday that the responsibility for de-escalation lies squarely with Pakistan. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Misri emphasized that it was Pakistan that escalated the situation, while India merely responded through ‘Operation Sindoor’.
As per agency report, Misri underlined that the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam marked the beginning of the deterioration in cross-border relations, initiated by hostile elements from Pakistani territory. He reiterated that India’s intent was never to inflame tensions, and that its measured response through missile strikes targeted only terrorist infrastructure.
Responding to a question on who should take the lead in lowering tensions, the Foreign Secretary stated that Pakistan had provoked the situation and must now take steps to de-escalate. He further criticized Pakistan for its stance during the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) discussions, where it opposed references to The Resistance Front (TRF), despite the group having claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack.
Misri also highlighted Pakistani cross-border firing along the Line of Control (LoC), which has caused civilian casualties, further aggravating the humanitarian situation. Joining him at the briefing were Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sophia Qureshi, reinforcing India’s unified defense and diplomatic stance.
He remarked that Pakistan's global identification as a hub of terrorism is well established, citing its long-standing practice of promoting cross-border terror against India. He added that Pakistan has also persistently created obstacles over the years concerning the Indus Waters Treaty, showing its lack of cooperation on multiple fronts.
Regarding the specifics of Operation Sindoor, Misri clarified that India’s military response was precise and deliberately limited to active terrorist camps. The operation, conducted early Wednesday, targeted nine terrorist facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including the Jaish-e-Mohammed base in Bahawalpur.
The Defence Ministry reported that late Wednesday night, Pakistani forces attempted to retaliate by targeting key Indian cities and installations such as Avantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, NAL, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj. However, these attacks were effectively intercepted, and a Pakistani air defense system in Lahore was destroyed.
India’s firm diplomatic message underscores its stance that it will not initiate aggression but will respond decisively when provoked, and now expects Pakistan to take responsibility in restoring calm in the region.
