India does not wish to heighten tensions with Pakistan, but there will be a "very" firm response if there is military aggression on Indian soil, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Thursday.
Jaishankar said this while speaking during a meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and himself in New Delhi. He justified that the recent Indian airstrikes at "cross-border" terrorist bases were in retaliation for the cruel Pahalgam terror attack on Indian civilians.
"This attack led us to respond on May 7 by targeting the cross-border terrorist infrastructure. Our response was measured and targeted," Jaishankar stated, talking about the operation that India conducted.
While reaffirming India's position of not wishing to escalate matters further, Jaishankar asserted that "if there are military attacks on us, there should be no doubt that it will be met with a very very firm response."
Jaishankar added further that the significance of Iran, being a neighbour and a close friend, is that they need to see the seriousness of the situation.
The statements came as Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi touched down in New Delhi late on Wednesday night on a planned visit, amidst heightening tensions between India and Pakistan.
Read also| Operation Sindoor Echoed Lord Hanuman’s Ideals, Aimed at Enemies: Rajnath Singh
