External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during his official visit to Brussels, issued a strong warning that India will strike deep into Pakistani territory if provoked by terrorism again. Referring to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, Jaishankar blamed Pakistan for harboring and training terrorist outfits. He emphasized that India’s response would be swift, precise, and unforgiving if future attacks were traced back to Pakistan-based groups. “We don’t care where they are. If they are deep in Pakistan, we will go deep into Pakistan,” he stated in an interview with Politico.
This statement comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s military response on May 7, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The conflict lasted until May 10, when talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both nations resulted in a ceasefire agreement. Jaishankar highlighted the effectiveness of India’s air strikes, mentioning that eight key Pakistani airfields were disabled, with visible runway and hangar destruction confirmed through satellite imagery. He praised the role of Indian Rafale fighter jets and missile systems in delivering a decisive blow.
Jaishankar also reiterated that Pakistan’s continued use of terrorism as state policy remains a primary source of instability in the region. He asserted that while the military conflict may have temporarily paused, the underlying threat persists. “If you call the commitment to terrorism a source of tension, absolutely, it is,” he remarked. He added that India’s posture is not about escalation but about defending its people and sovereignty from terror threats.
As part of a coordinated diplomatic campaign following the Pahalgam attack, India has dispatched seven multi-party delegations to 33 global capitals. These delegations aim to brief the international community on Pakistan’s role in supporting terror networks and India’s commitment to defending itself through legitimate and proportionate actions. Jaishankar’s European tour, which includes meetings with leaders from the EU, Belgium, and France, is also focused on strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation and boosting bilateral relations.
India's message is clear: any act of terror will be met with direct, calculated, and effective retaliation. The government’s stance signals a shift from reactive diplomacy to assertive defense policy, where terrorism will be dealt with not just through condemnation but through clear military and strategic responses.
