MEA reaffirms zero tolerance for cross-border terror

Marking the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India had delivered a “befitting reply” to Pakistan for sponsoring cross-border terrorism following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.

Speaking at a media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the international community had clearly recognised the nature of the Pahalgam attack and reaffirmed India’s right to defend itself against terrorism.

“Today, we are marking the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor. The entire world saw the Pahalgam terrorist attack for what it was. We gave a befitting reply to Pakistan for its sponsorship of cross-border terrorism,” Jaiswal said.

He added that cross-border terrorism had long been used by Pakistan as “an instrument of State policy” and stressed that India would continue contributing to the global fight against terrorism.

“We in India have every right to defend ourselves against terrorism. We will continue to work to strengthen the global fight against terrorism,” he said.

The MEA also reiterated India’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty, stating that the agreement remains in abeyance due to Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism.

“Our position on the Indus Waters Treaty has been consistent. IWT stands in abeyance in response to Pakistan’s sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. Pakistan must credibly and irrevocably abjure its support for cross-border terrorism,” Jaiswal said.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, in which 26 people were killed.