External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar concluded his European tour with a significant visit to Berlin, Germany, where he engaged with the Indian diaspora and reinforced India's unwavering stance against terrorism. During his address to the Indian community, Jaishankar lauded their contribution to strengthening Indo-German ties, urging them to continue promoting India's narrative on a global stage. He highlighted the "confident national mood" prevailing in India and emphasized the strong momentum in relations between the two nations.
In his interactions in Berlin, Jaishankar addressed critical aspects of international relations, particularly concerning counter-terrorism. He expressed gratitude for Germany's support in India's fight against terrorism and its recognition of India's right to defend itself. Addressing the German Council on Foreign Relations, Jaishankar reflected on the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, describing it as part of a broader pattern of cross-border terrorism aimed at destabilizing the region, disrupting its economy, and sowing religious discord. He asserted that India's campaign is against terrorism, targeting terrorist headquarters and sites, with the support of international understanding.
Jaishankar firmly stated India's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, vowing that New Delhi would never succumb to nuclear coercion. He reiterated that India would deal with Pakistan purely on a bilateral basis, dispelling any confusion on this matter. He criticized Pakistan for using terrorism as a tool for many years and harboring terrorists, condemning the Pahalgam terror attack as part of a pattern targeting Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India. He also warned that if terrorist attacks from Pakistan continue, "there will be consequences," emphasizing that Pakistan must understand this clearly.
Furthermore, Jaishankar highlighted the growing international support for India's counterterrorism stance, noting that Germany recognizes India's right to defend itself. He mentioned that there is virtually no country that would approve of terrorism or not condemn it, and that much of the world agrees that India has the right to defend itself, its people, and secure its country.
During his visit, Jaishankar also engaged in bilateral talks with German officials, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, discussing various dimensions of bilateral cooperation, ranging from trade and technology to defense, security, energy, and sustainability. He emphasized the importance of collaboration amidst global challenges, including recent terrorist attacks. He appreciated Germany's understanding that every nation has a right to defend itself against terrorism and noted the strong commitment to elevating and expanding the strategic partnership between India and Germany.
