European Union President Ursula von der Leyen issued a “strong condemnation” of the recent Pahalgam attack on Tuesday, and reiterated support for Operation Sindoor — contending that India had the right to protect its citizens. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also issued a stern warning for Pakistan during his ongoing trip to the European Union — assuring “retribution” for terrorism. The foreign minister claimed that Islamabad was training “thousands” of terrorists “in the open” and “unleashing” them on India.
“India and European Union held a joint naval exercise in the Indian Ocean last week. This is more than symbolic. It shows our shared commitment to uphold international laws at sea. I want to reiterate EU’s strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Those responsible must be held accountable.India has the right to protect its sitizens in accordance with international law. Minister Jaishankar, you and I were in close contact after the attacks. I regret the tragic loss of lives in India and Pakistan,” said top EU official Kaja Kallas during a joint presser.
The Indian foreign minister also called the recent conflict a clash between India and “terroristan” rather than a dispute between two states. He assured a strong response from the Indian side in case of further escalations.
“Pleased to call on EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen this morning. Welcomed her strong condemnation of terrorist attack in Pahalgam and solidarity in combating terrorism. Discussed efforts underway to deepen the India – EU partnership. Agreed on the potential benefits of stronger cooperation in trade, technology, connectivity and security for both our regions,” Jaishankar added in a social media post.
Tensions between India and Pakistan had escalated earlier this year following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead and several others injured. India had subsequently carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. The on-ground hostilities from the Indian and Pakistan sides that lasted for four days ended with an understanding of stopping the military actions following talks between the directors general of military operations of both sides on May 10.
“We are not going to live with it. So our message to them is that if you continue to do the kind of barbaric acts which they did in April, then there is going to be retribution, and that retribution will be against the terrorist organisations and the terrorist leadership,” Jaishankar had told Politico on Monday.
The Foreign Minister however warned that the root causes of the conflict remain unchanged.
“It (Pakistan) is a country very steeped in its use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy. That is the whole issue,” he was quoted as saying by the Politico.
(With inputs from agencies)