External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his visit to Brussels, Belgium, has sharpened India's stance on cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan, asserting that the issue is not merely an India-Pakistan conflict but rather a matter of "India versus Terroristan." This statement, made during a joint press conference with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, underscores India's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and its determination to take decisive action against terrorist infrastructure, even within Pakistani territory.

Jaishankar's visit to Europe, which includes stops in France and Belgium, comes shortly after India conducted "Operation Sindoor" targeting terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. This operation and the strong rhetoric signal a significant shift in India's approach, emphasizing a willingness to proactively counter terrorist threats.

During the press conference, when questioned about the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, Jaishankar urged the international community to reframe their understanding of the conflict. He stated, "This is not a conflict between two states per se. This is actually a response to the threat and to the practice of terrorism. So, I would urge you not to think of it as India-Pakistan, but think of it as 'India-Terroristan', you will then appreciate it." He emphasized that terrorism is a shared global challenge and that there must be zero tolerance for it in all its forms.

Jaishankar also addressed the issue of nuclear blackmail, stating that India will not yield to such threats. This firm stance reflects the Modi government's position that military actions against terrorism have only been paused and that India will not be deterred by Pakistan's nuclear capabilities. He asserted that Pakistan is openly training thousands of terrorists and unleashing them on India, making it imperative for India to take necessary measures to protect its security.

In a separate interview with Politico, Jaishankar warned that India is prepared to strike deep inside Pakistan if terrorism continues. "And we don't care where they are. If they are deep in Pakistan, we will go deep into Pakistan," he said, highlighting the government's resolve to retaliate strongly against any future provocations. He also pointed to the effectiveness of India's military strikes, stating that they had severely degraded Pakistan's military infrastructure, including the destruction and disabling of airfields.

During his visit, Jaishankar engaged in discussions with European leaders to strengthen cooperation in various areas, including defense, maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber security, and artificial intelligence. He also welcomed Belgium's support and solidarity in combating terrorism, underscoring the strong momentum in the India-EU partnership. The External Affairs Minister emphasized the potential for collaboration in clean energy, mobility, and pharmaceuticals, among other sectors.

Jaishankar's visit to Europe also serves as an opportunity to lay the groundwork for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Canada for the G-7 summit. He is expected to discuss India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack and seek support for India's fight against terrorism at multilateral organizations, including the United Nations, the UN Security Council, and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Furthermore, Jaishankar is expected to raise India's request for the repatriation of fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi, who is currently detained in Belgium.

By characterizing the conflict as "India versus Terroristan," Jaishankar is sending a clear message to the international community about the nature of the threat India faces and its determination to combat terrorism effectively. This assertive approach, coupled with concrete actions such as Operation Sindoor, reflects India's commitment to safeguarding its national security and promoting regional stability.