New Delhi warns of firm retaliation

TDT | Agencies

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

India will deliver a “very very firm response” to any military attacks from Pakistan but does not seek escalation, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during talks yesterday. The warning came as regional diplomats scrambled to mediate tensions following India’s retaliatory strikes on alleged terror camps in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

The minister emphasized India’s restraint while issuing a clear red line: “It is not our intention to escalate the situation. However, if there are military attacks on us, there should be no doubt that it will be met with a very very firm re-sponse.” He stressed the importance of Iran – which shares borders with both nations – fully understanding India’s position.

Jaishankar has conducted a diplomatic blitz to explain India’s stance, meeting yesterday with Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Aljubeir after Wednesday consultations with counterparts from Spain, France, Germany, Japan and Qatar. In all discussions, he reiterated New Delhi’s policy of “firmly countering terrorism” while acknowledging international support for de-escalation efforts.