Operation Sindoor: India Reaffirms Its Tough Stance Against Terrorism, Says Jaishankar in the US
During his recent visit to the United States for the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s strong resolve to combat terrorism. Referring to Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, he stated unequivocally that India will continue to take decisive action against those responsible for terrorist acts, including their financiers, enablers, and supporters. This operation, he emphasized, sends a clear and firm message to the global community: India will not tolerate terrorism in any form.
Jaishankar underscored that Operation Sindoor symbolizes India’s proactive and strategic approach to counterterrorism. “The message was unambiguous – any attack on our nation will be met with a strong and resolute response. Whether it’s the perpetrators, their backers, or financiers, no one will be spared,” he stated.
He further pointed out the significance of the statements issued by both the Quad and the United Nations Security Council on April 25, which called for the global community to hold the perpetrators of terrorism accountable. “These statements hold great importance for India as they align with our longstanding stance that those who sponsor or execute terrorist acts must face justice,” Jaishankar noted.
In his meetings with Quad counterparts, the minister highlighted India’s long-standing battle with terrorism. He said that India has been confronting terrorism for several decades, and now more than ever, the country is determined to respond with strength. “We conveyed the reality of terrorism we face to our Quad partners and to global leaders. India has the sovereign right to defend itself and it will do so without hesitation,” he affirmed.
Bilateral Talks with the United States
Jaishankar also spoke about his bilateral meetings in the US, including a productive dialogue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The two leaders reviewed the progress made in the past six months and discussed strategic areas such as trade, investment, defense, security cooperation, technology exchange, energy collaboration, and mobility partnerships.
He also met with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Energy Secretary Chris Wright to strengthen cooperation in respective areas. These meetings further reinforce the growing strategic partnership between India and the United States across various sectors.
Concerns Over Proposed US Tariffs
Addressing concerns regarding the US proposal to impose a 500% tariff on imports from countries purchasing oil from Russia, Jaishankar noted that such legislative developments are being closely monitored. He confirmed that the Indian government, through its embassy and officials, is in constant touch with US Senator Lindsey Graham and others to express India’s energy security concerns. “We’ve clearly communicated our position. If such a situation arises, we will deal with it in a manner that protects our national interest,” he said.
Quad Nations Condemn Pahalgam Terror Attack
In a joint statement issued on April 24, the Quad countries – India, the US, Australia, and Japan – strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians. The foreign ministers, including Jaishankar, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, urged the global community to ensure that the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers of such heinous acts are swiftly brought to justice.
They called on all UN member nations to actively cooperate and fulfill their international obligations by assisting relevant authorities in the prosecution and punishment of terrorists.
UN Security Council’s Strong Message
The United Nations Security Council also issued a powerful condemnation of the Pahalgam attack. Council members stressed the urgent need to hold accountable those responsible for the killings and to take firm action in accordance with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.
In conclusion, Operation Sindoor marks a critical chapter in India’s counterterrorism strategy and foreign policy outreach. By raising the issue on international platforms like the Quad and the UN, India continues to build global consensus and cooperation against terrorism, reaffirming its position as a nation that will act with strength and clarity when its security is threatened.
