India’s Unyielding Stance on Nuclear Issues: Jaishankar’s Address in Germany
India’s foreign affairs minister, S Jaishankar, has made a firm declaration in Germany, stating that the country will not yield to nuclear blackmail. This statement comes amid heightened tensions with Pakistan following a recent military conflict. The minister’s remarks were made during a joint briefing with Germany’s foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, in Berlin.
Jaishankar emphasized India’s unwavering stance against terrorism, asserting that the nation has zero tolerance for such acts. He reaffirmed that India will handle matters with Pakistan solely through bilateral channels, without any external interference. ‘There should be no confusion in any quarter in that regard. We also value Germany’s understanding that every nation has the right to defend itself against terrorism,’ he stated during a press interaction, according to ANI.
Wadephul echoed India’s position, expressing Germany’s support for the fight against terrorism. ‘Terrorism must never have a place in the world anywhere,’ he said, adding that Berlin will back any efforts to combat the menace. ‘We very much appreciate that a ceasefire has been reached, and we hope that there will be a solution soon,’ the German foreign minister was quoted as saying by ANI.
Jaishankar is in Berlin as part of a three-nation tour that includes the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany. Earlier in the day, he conveyed India’s appreciation for Germany’s solidarity in the fight against terrorism to Chancellor Friedrich Merz. ‘Honoured to meet Chancellor Friedrich Merz today in Berlin. Conveyed the best wishes of PM Narendra Modi. Look forward to working with his government to elevate and expand our Strategic Partnership. Appreciate Germany’s solidarity as India counters the challenge of terrorism,’ Jaishankar posted on X.
During his visit, Jaishankar also discussed India’s campaign against terrorism with top German leaders. The discussions are part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and address security concerns in the region.
India’s Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was India’s direct military response to the April 22 terror strike at Pahalgam in Kashmir that killed 26 civilians, marking the worst attack on civilians since the 26/11 Mumbai strikes. The operation was launched on May 7, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The pre-dawn strikes, which killed at least 100 terrorists, led to a series of attacks and counterattacks across the border. These included fighter jets, missiles, armed drones, and intense artillery and rocket exchanges. On the night of May 9-10, the air force struck targets at 13 Pakistani air bases and military installations. After four days of fighting, military hostilities were halted on May 10 as the two nations reached an understanding.
The conflict underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region, with both nations striving to balance military posturing with diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. The situation highlights the complex dynamics of the India-Pakistan relationship, where historical tensions and regional stability remain critical issues.