Jaishankar: “If Terrorists Are in Pakistan, We Will Hit Them”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has made a bold declaration regarding India’s stance on cross-border terrorism, stating that India will not hesitate to strike at terrorists inside Pakistan if they pose a threat. His remarks come in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory military action following the Pahalgam massacre that killed 26 civilians on April 22.
Jaishankar was speaking in an interview with Dutch broadcaster NOS, where he justified India’s right to act in self-defense under international law.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Decisive Strike
Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, targeting nine terror-linked sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Over four days of precision strikes and drone activity, Indian forces dismantled key infrastructure suspected to be linked to the Pahalgam attackers.
The operation concluded on May 10 after a bilateral agreement to cease hostilities, but India made it clear that it reserves the right to act unilaterally in the future if provoked again.
Targeting Terrorists Beyond Borders
In his interview, Jaishankar said, “If the terrorists are in Pakistan, we will hit them where they are.” He made it clear that India’s restraint should not be misunderstood as weakness and that proactive measures will be taken if national security is at stake.
This statement aligns with India’s post-Uri and Balakot doctrine, where cross-border strikes are considered legitimate responses to state-enabled terrorism.
Pakistan’s Religious Radicalism Under Scrutiny
Jaishankar also linked the Pahalgam attackers’ motivations to the ideological environment fostered by Pakistan’s military leadership, especially Army Chief General Asim Munir. He cited Munir’s “extreme religious outlook” as a contributing factor to the radicalization that led to the attack.
He emphasized that such ideologies not only destabilize the region but also export terrorism beyond Pakistan’s borders, warranting international condemnation.
Global Support and Domestic Debate
India’s decisive stance has received diplomatic backing from allies. During Jaishankar’s visit to the Netherlands, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof voiced support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts, recognizing the scale and intent behind the Pahalgam attack.
Meanwhile, the domestic political narrative remains divided. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the government for reportedly alerting Pakistan in advance of Operation Sindoor’s launch. He termed it a “strategic blunder” and demanded transparency over who authorized the pre-strike notification.
Despite internal political criticism, the government has remained steadfast in defending its actions, highlighting national security and deterrence as its primary objectives.
