Jaishankar’s Strong Remarks on Terrorism Prompt Sharp Response from Pakistan

Pakistan on Wednesday strongly objected to recent statements made by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, criticizing his tone and calling for diplomacy over confrontation.

“Pakistan categorically rejects the irresponsible remarks made by the External Affairs Minister of India during different media engagements in Brussels,” said a statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry added that top diplomats should strive to “promote peace and harmony, rather than producing bellicose punchlines,” asserting that Jaishankar’s rhetoric did not reflect the “dignified status” of his office.

Islamabad also accused New Delhi of running a “malicious campaign” to mislead the international community by presenting a “fictitious narrative of victimhood,” and of using “concocted and misleading narratives” to justify its recent military operations.

“Pakistan believes in peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and diplomacy,” the statement said, “but stands resolute in its intent and ability to safeguard its sovereignty against any aggression,” referencing what it called a “robust response” to India’s recent strikes.

What Jaishankar Said

Jaishankar, in interviews during his visit to Brussels, firmly defended India’s response to terrorism, particularly in light of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that killed 26 civilians.

Responding to global commentary suggesting India’s actions escalate regional tensions, Jaishankar told POLITICO, “If [terror camps] are deep in Pakistan, we will go deep into Pakistan.”

He described Pakistan as a nation “steeped in its use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy” and said that international audiences must understand the broader implications of cross-border terrorism.

“Let me remind you of something,” he said, referencing the late al-Qaeda leader. “There was a man named Osama bin Laden. Why did he, of all people, feel safe living for years in a Pakistani military town, right next to their equivalent of West Point?”

“This isn’t merely an India-Pakistan issue. It’s about terrorism. And that very same terrorism will eventually come back to haunt you,” Jaishankar warned.

India’s Operation Sindoor

Jaishankar’s comments came in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, India’s military retaliation to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, the deadliest such incident since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

On May 7, India launched coordinated strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), reportedly killing over 100 terrorists. The operation triggered intense cross-border hostilities involving fighter jets, drones, missiles, and heavy artillery.

One of the most significant counterstrikes took place on the night of May 9–10, when the Indian Air Force reportedly hit 13 Pakistani air bases and military installations. Fighting ended on May 10 after both countries reached a temporary understanding.