New Delhi, May 15 — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s longstanding policy that all relations and dealings with Pakistan will remain strictly bilateral. He clarified that this principle, backed by national consensus, remains unchanged.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in the capital, Jaishankar emphasized, "Where Pakistan is concerned, our relations, our dealings with them will be bilateral, and strictly bilateral. That is a national consensus for many years, and there is absolutely no change in that consensus."
Precision Strikes and Pakistan’s Retaliation
Jaishankar also referred to recent hostilities between the two nations. On May 7, India conducted precision strikes under "Operation Sindoor" to target terror infrastructure, which he said was a response to the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack. He noted that the United Nations Security Council had also underlined the need for accountability for such acts of terror.Following the Indian strikes, Pakistan attempted retaliatory attacks on Indian military installations on May 8, 9, and 10. These actions, according to Jaishankar, were "strongly responded to" by India. The escalation was defused after both sides' Directors General of Military Operations held talks and agreed on May 10 to halt military actions.
Talks Only on Terrorism
The minister made it clear that any future discussions with Pakistan would be limited to the issue of terrorism. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it very clear that any talks with Pakistan will be only on terror," he said.He further added, "Pakistan has a list of terrorists, who need to be handed over. They have to shut down terrorist infrastructure; they know what to do." He asserted that India is prepared to discuss counter-terrorism measures with Islamabad if necessary.
Clear Position on Kashmir
Jaishankar also underlined India's stance on Kashmir. "The only thing that remains to be discussed on Kashmir is the vacating of illegally occupied Indian territory in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. We are open to discussing it with Pakistan... the government position is apparent," he stated.The minister reaffirmed India’s policy stance, which reflects a firm commitment to sovereignty, national security, and bilateral diplomacy free from external intervention.
