In a firm and decisive tone, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reiterated India's unwavering stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism during talks with visiting UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The discussions, held in New Delhi on Saturday, took place against the backdrop of recent escalations in tensions and a barbaric terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Jaishankar's message was clear: India will not equate the "perpetrators of evil" with their victims and expects its partners to fully understand and respect its zero-tolerance policy.
The timing of the meeting is particularly significant. Lammy's visit follows his recent trip to Islamabad, where he discussed the possibility of the U.S. and the U.K. working with India and Pakistan to ensure an enduring ceasefire, dialogue, and confidence-building measures. These comments had reportedly caused some unease in New Delhi, as India has consistently maintained that there is no room for third-party involvement in its relationship with Pakistan, especially in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
During the meeting, Jaishankar thanked the UK government for its condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and its support for India's fight against terrorism. He emphasized that India expects its partners to recognize the clear distinction between those who perpetrate terrorism and those who are targeted by it. "We practice a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and expect our partners to understand it, and we will never countenance perpetrators of evil being put at par with its victims," Jaishankar stated emphatically.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met with the UK Foreign Secretary and echoed the sentiment, calling for decisive international action against terrorism and those who support it. He appreciated the UK's firm support for India's fight against cross-border terrorism. Both leaders acknowledged the need for the international community to act firmly and collectively against this global menace.
The discussions also encompassed a wider review of the strategic partnership between India and the UK. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the recent conclusion of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention, hailing them as major milestones in bilateral ties. The FTA is expected to significantly boost trade and investment between the two countries and strengthen supply chains.
Beyond counter-terrorism and trade, the two leaders explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in key sectors such as defense, security, clean energy, technology, and innovation. Modi praised the ongoing collaboration under the technology security initiative, viewing it as a crucial step toward building "trusted and secure innovation ecosystems." This reflects a shared vision for a future where technology plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and enhancing security.
India and the UK have a long history of cooperation on counter-terrorism. This cooperation was formalized in 2002 with the establishment of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Terrorism. Through this forum, the two countries have been sharing information, coordinating strategies, and working together to counter the financing of terrorism and prevent the use of the internet for terrorist purposes. In recent years, this collaboration has intensified, with both sides recognizing the growing threat posed by terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and ISIS.
Jaishankar's firm message to Lammy underscores India's determination to combat terrorism in all its forms and to ensure that those who perpetrate such acts are held accountable. It also serves as a reminder to the international community that there can be no justification for terrorism and that all nations must stand united against this global threat. The strong support from the UK, as expressed by both Lammy and Prime Minister Modi, is a welcome sign of continued cooperation in the fight against terrorism and a testament to the enduring strategic partnership between India and the UK.
