India Warns of Deep Strikes in Pakistan Over Cross-Border Terrorism
| 2025-06-11
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during the 1st India - European Union Strategic Dialogue
India's Foreign Minister warns of future strikes inside Pakistan in response to terrorism, during strategic talks with EU leaders in Brussels.
Speaking during an official visit to Brussels, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar issued a firm warning against cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan. In an interview with Politico, he stated that India would retaliate decisively if similar attacks recur.
“If they are deep in Pakistan, we will go deep into Pakistan,” Jaishankar said, underscoring India’s readiness to act beyond its borders if provoked.
His remarks follow India’s military operation dubbed Operation Sindoor, launched in early May in response to the 22 April terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in Indian-administered Kashmir. The assault claimed the lives of 26 civilians and was attributed to groups operating from Pakistani territory.
According to Indian government sources, the operation targeted multiple militant camps in both Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, resulting in the destruction of nine facilities and the deaths of several militants.
India’s Stance on Terrorism
During the Brussels visit, Jaishankar described Pakistan as a state that employs terrorism as a tool of policy. “This is not a conflict between two states. This is a response to the threat and practice of terrorism,” he told reporters.
At a joint press conference with European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas, he urged the international community to reframe the conflict as “India versus Terroristan”, a term he used to criticise Pakistan's alleged continued support for militant groups.
Jaishankar dismissed the possibility of being deterred by nuclear threats, suggesting that India would not allow intimidation to shape its national security policy. “We will not live with this. If they repeat acts like the one in April, there will be retribution—targeted at terrorist organisations and their leadership,” he said.
Diplomatic Engagement with the EU
The Indian minister met with senior European Union officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Vice-President Kaja Kallas, thanking them for their condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and their support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts.
His visit also marked the inaugural India-EU strategic dialogue. Discussions focused on defence collaboration, maritime security, cyber threats, and space cooperation, reflecting a deepening alignment between India and the European Union on strategic issues.
Focus on Trade and Technology
In addition to security matters, Jaishankar emphasised the importance of concluding an ambitious India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2025.
He noted that resilient supply chains, secure digital frameworks, and transparent partnerships are key priorities in the emerging multipolar global order. “A strong India-EU FTA will be central to stabilising the international economy,” he said.
While acknowledging differing perspectives on certain issues, Jaishankar stressed the value of building trust and enhancing cooperation. “It’s natural to have different views. But our focus is on deepening understanding and building a partnership that reflects the realities of today’s world,” he told EU officials.
Context:
India and Pakistan have long had a tense relationship, marked by several armed conflicts and recurring border skirmishes, particularly over the Kashmir region. Both countries claim the territory in full but control only parts of it.
India has repeatedly accused Pakistan of harbouring and supporting militant groups that launch attacks in Indian territory, a claim Pakistan denies. Notably, India conducted air strikes inside Pakistan in 2019 following the Pulwama suicide bombing that killed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel.
Jaishankar’s remarks in Brussels reflect a continuation of India’s assertive security policy and underline New Delhi’s insistence on international accountability for terrorism.
The broader engagement with the European Union signals India’s intention to diversify its strategic partnerships amid shifting global alignments and security concerns.
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