“If terrorists are operating from Pakistani soil, we will strike them at their source. India will not wait to be attacked”—Jaishankar

India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, has firmly stated that India will respond decisively to any future cross-border terror attacks, reaffirming that Operation Sindoor remains active as a strategic deterrent. In an interview with Dutch broadcaster NOS, Jaishankar emphasized that India will not hesitate to hit terror camps across the border, making it clear that a repeat of the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians, would be met with direct retaliation.

“If the terrorists are in Pakistan, we will hit them where they are,” Jaishankar said, underlining India’s evolved doctrine on cross-border terrorism.

Operation Sindoor: Retaliation with a Message
Launched on May 7, Operation Sindoor was India’s military response targeting nine UN-listed terrorist sites in Pakistan-controlled territories following the heinous terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. What followed was four days of intense escalation using drones, missiles, and artillery until both countries agreed to cease hostilities on May 10.

Jaishankar called this date the “decisive moment”, as India neutralized eight Pakistani airbases, compelling Pakistan’s military to seek a halt to the exchanges.

Clear Signals, No Ambiguity
When asked if the operation is now dormant, Jaishankar stated, “Put whatever word you want to, but the message is clear—and the message is act.”

He emphasized that although firing has ceased, the operation is still underway and serves as a reminder that India will not remain passive in the face of cross-border violence.

“Our government is very clear—if there is another attack, there will be a response,” Jaishankar asserted.

No Foreign Mediation, Only Direct Talks
Responding to claims of U.S. involvement in brokering the ceasefire, Jaishankar firmly rejected any third-party mediation. He revealed that the May 10 agreement to halt military action was reached solely between India and Pakistan, stressing that India only responded after Pakistani generals communicated their intent directly.

“We told the world: if Pakistan wants peace, we must hear it from their general. That’s exactly what happened,” he noted.

Kashmir Not Up for Negotiation
Jaishankar reiterated India’s unwavering stance on Kashmir, stating that discussions with Pakistan can only revolve around ending terrorism and the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He declared that Kashmir is and will remain an integral part of India, shutting down any ambiguity about territorial claims.

Security vs Economy: A False Choice
Responding to concerns that regional tensions may impact India’s economic progress, Jaishankar clarified that security and economic development go hand-in-hand. He contrasted India’s high-threat environment with that of Europe, stating that India’s growth strategy cannot ignore the ever-present challenge of terrorism.

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