Berlin, May 23: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar firmly reiterated India’s stance against terrorism and nuclear threats during a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Friday. Emphasizing New Delhi’s unwavering commitment to national security, Jaishankar declared that India would never tolerate terrorism or yield to nuclear blackmail under any circumstances.
The minister's remarks came during his ongoing tour of Europe, with Germany being the first leg of his three-nation visit. As per agency report, Jaishankar highlighted that his visit to Berlin closely followed India’s military response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people. He said he had conveyed to his German counterpart that India’s reaction was not just necessary but inevitable, given the magnitude of the provocation.
Jaishankar stressed that India would deal with Pakistan entirely through bilateral mechanisms, asserting that there should be no misunderstanding regarding this position. He further expressed appreciation for Germany’s recognition of every nation’s sovereign right to defend itself against terrorism.
The minister's statements align with India’s diplomatic outreach following the Pahalgam attack. The Indian government has made it clear that any cross-border terrorist act will henceforth be treated as an act of war. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier affirmed that India's response to terrorism would be decisive and uncompromising, reflecting a broader shift in national security doctrine.
Jaishankar’s visit is expected to strengthen strategic ties between India and Germany while reinforcing India’s global message of zero tolerance toward terrorism and its commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty against all threats.
