Reaffirming India's zero tolerance to terrorism, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced on Friday that India will never fall for nuclear blackmail and will conduct its relations with Pakistan strictly bilaterally.
Addressing a joint press conference in Berlin with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Jaishankar underscored India's unequivocal position in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor.
He added, "India has zero tolerance for terror. India will never succumb to nuclear blackmail, and India will handle Pakistan purely bilaterally. There can be no misunderstanding in any quarter on that score. We also appreciate Germany's appreciation of every country's right to defend itself against terror."
The two ministers also talked about how to further deepen and consolidate the strategic partnership between Germany and India, in areas with "greater promise and potential."
Condemning the heinous attack, Wadephul spoke in support of India, saying, "We were all shocked by the brutal terrorist attack on India on April 22. We condemn the attack on civilians in strongest words. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the victims and their families.". After military strikes on both sides and India, of course, has every justification to protect itself against terrorism… the mere fact that there is a truce is something we value very much.
He added, "What matters now is that this truce holds, that dialogue may take place in order to achieve bilateral solutions."
After the meeting, Jaishankar had said he looked forward to welcoming Wadephul to India, tweeting, "Exchanged views on issues from our immediate neighbourhood to global concerns and challenges. Look forward to welcoming him in India."
Germany was the last destination of Jaishankar's three-country tour, having first visited the Netherlands on May 19 and Denmark before reaching Germany. Across his tour, the External Affairs Minister met with senior leadership and counterparts to discuss the entire gamut of bilateral relations, as well as regional and international issues of common interest.
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