Saturday, March 29, 2025
In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India launched a decisive military campaign dubbed Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist hideouts across the border. On Thursday, May 22, 2025, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), clarified when and how Pakistan was informed of the operation.
Addressing a press conference, Jaiswal stated that India struck terrorist locations inside Pakistan first and informed the Pakistani side only afterward via the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) channel. He emphasized, “Informing them post-strike was our right to respond to terrorism that threatens our national security.”
This official statement comes amid increased tensions between the two nations following the cross-border terror strike in Pahalgam that claimed multiple lives.
Commenting on the recent trilateral talks held in Beijing between the foreign ministers of China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, Jaiswal said India had reviewed certain reports but declined to elaborate further. He added that India’s stance remains firm: no third-party involvement in India-Pakistan bilateral issues.
Regarding dialogue with Afghanistan, Jaiswal mentioned that External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar had already spoken to Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister and appreciated his condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. Both sides also expressed mutual interest in expanding cooperation across multiple domains.
Reasserting India’s position, Jaiswal emphasized, “Terror and dialogue cannot go hand in hand.” India remains open to discussions with Pakistan only on issues related to Pakistan-occupied territories, and expects immediate extradition of wanted terrorists listed in documents handed to Pakistan years ago.
Touching on other pressing issues, Jaiswal reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s statement that “blood and water cannot flow together.” He confirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty remains suspended until Pakistan stops supporting terrorism.
He also addressed illegal immigration, revealing that India has asked Bangladesh to verify the nationality of 2,369 undocumented individuals. Once confirmation is received, legal deportation proceedings will follow.
Seven parliamentary delegations, three of which have already departed, are engaging internationally to raise awareness about cross-border terrorism. Jaiswal called on the world to hold accountable those responsible for 40 years of sponsoring terror against India. He stressed the need for global unity against all forms of terrorism.
India’s message is clear: while it remains committed to regional peace, it reserves the right to act decisively against terrorism. Operation Sindoor marks another chapter in India’s evolving counter-terror strategy and diplomatic assertiveness.
