During the 20th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi, Jaishankar explained that the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians, compelled India to act against cross-border terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. He emphasized that India’s response-Operation Sindoor-was “targeted and measured,” aimed solely at terror camps, and not intended to escalate the situation further.
“You are visiting India at a time when we are responding to a particularly barbaric attack… This attack compelled us to respond by striking at the cross-border terrorist infrastructure. Our response was targeted and measured. 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 response.”
S Jaishankar to Iran’s Foreign Minister
Jaishankar underlined to Dr. Araghchi that, as a close neighbor and strategic partner, it was important for Iran to understand the circumstances behind India’s actions. He reiterated that India does not seek conflict but will not hesitate to defend itself if provoked.
Iran’s Foreign Minister’s visit came amid heightened regional tensions following Operation Sindoor. The meeting also marked the 75th anniversary of India-Iran diplomatic relations, with both sides discussing ways to deepen cooperation and maintain regional stability. Iran, for its part, called for restraint and peace in the region, expressing hope that tensions would not escalate further.
S Jaishankar made it clear to Iran and the international community that India’s strikes were a direct, justified response to terrorism-not an act of escalation. He warned that any further military action against India would be met with a “very, very firm response,” reaffirming India’s commitment to self-defense and regional stability.