The recent Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent response, dubbed "Operation Sindoor," have brought tensions between India and Pakistan back into sharp focus. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has been at the forefront of articulating India's position, emphasizing a "measured" but firm approach.
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, saw terrorists killing 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, targeting tourists in a scenic area, was met with widespread condemnation and calls for decisive action. Initial reports suggested the Resistance Front, allegedly affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility, though they later denied it. The brutality of the attack, with victims often killed at close range, sparked anger across India. Prime Minister Modi vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, promising a response that would be "beyond their imagination".
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched "Operation Sindoor" on May 7, 2025. Indian forces conducted precision strikes on alleged terrorist hideouts across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The government maintained that the operation was carefully targeted to avoid civilian casualties and military installations, emphasizing a "non-escalatory" approach. According to reports, the strikes were carried out entirely from within Indian airspace, with no aircraft crossing the Line of Control.
EAM Jaishankar has defended India's actions as a necessary response to cross-border terrorism. He has stated that India's actions were "targeted and measured," aimed at terrorist infrastructure. He also conveyed a stern message that any further military attacks would be met with a "very, very firm response." Jaishankar has credited the Indian military for the ceasefire that followed, asserting that it was India's actions that compelled Pakistan to halt firing. He dismissed claims of US mediation, stating that the cessation of firing was agreed upon directly between military commanders after India's actions against Pakistani airbases and defense systems.
Jaishankar has also addressed concerns about potential nuclear escalation. He expressed astonishment at the suggestion that the conflict came close to a nuclear exchange, stating that India's actions were carefully considered and non-escalatory, targeting only terrorist camps and infrastructure. He criticized the tendency to immediately link any conflict in the region to nuclear dangers, arguing that such narratives can encourage terrorism.
The international community has also weighed in on the situation. The United States urged both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with both Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, emphasizing the need for immediate de-escalation and calling for an end to violence. The US also reiterated its support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communication.
The Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor have underscored the persistent challenges in India-Pakistan relations. While India maintains its response was measured and targeted, the situation remains tense. EAM Jaishankar's statements reflect India's commitment to combating terrorism while avoiding escalation, but the path forward remains complex and fraught with challenges.
