“Deep Strike” Warning: Jaishankar Vows Retaliation If Provoked by Terror Attacks

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during an official visit to Europe, said that India would not hesitate to strike deep inside Pakistani territory if provoked by acts of terrorism.

What has External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said about India’s stance on terrorism?

Speaking to Politico, he outlined the government’s position following Operation Sindoor, asserting that India’s retaliatory capability and intent remain uncompromising in the face of cross-border threats.

India will strike deep into Pakistan if provoked by acts of terror, warned External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, reaffirming New Delhi’s zero-tolerance policy against cross-border terrorism.

Jaishankar stated that retribution would follow any barbaric attacks like the April assault in Pahalgam.

What triggered this strong message?

Tensions between India and Pakistan flared after a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, carrying out precision airstrikes on terror infrastructure located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7.

How did the hostilities unfold and conclude?

The exchange between the two sides escalated to on-ground hostilities, lasting four days. The confrontation ceased on May 10 after the directors general of military operations (DGMOs) from both countries held talks and agreed to stop further military actions.

What claims has India made about the damage inflicted?

According to Jaishankar, India’s fighter jets and missile systems caused substantial damage to the Pakistani Air Force, particularly through strikes on eight key airfields.

“As far as I’m concerned, the proof of the pudding are the destroyed and disabled airfields on the Pakistani side,” he stated, citing publicly available satellite images that allegedly show damaged runways and hangars.

What does India say about Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism?

Jaishankar accused Pakistan of training “thousands” of terrorists in plain sight and unleashing them on the Indian territory. He reiterated that India will not accept this status quo and warned that future acts of terrorism would be met with direct and decisive retribution.

“If they are deep in Pakistan, we will go deep into Pakistan,” he asserted, signalling a hardened doctrine on cross-border counterterror operations.

Are the underlying tensions resolved?

Not entirely. While active military engagement has ceased, Jaishankar stated that the root issue remains unchanged—Pakistan’s alleged use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy. “If you call the commitment to terrorism a source of tension, absolutely, it is,” he said.

What else is on Jaishankar’s agenda in Europe?

The External Affairs Minister is currently on a week-long visit to Europe, where he is scheduled to hold meetings with leaders from the European Union, Belgium, and France. The visit aims to deepen bilateral ties and convey India’s firm position on counterterrorism cooperation.