‘Time to hold Pakistan accountable’: MEA on India’s global outreach to expose 40 years of cross-border terrorism

At a press briefing on Thursday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared key updates on recent diplomatic efforts, reaffirming the country’s tough stance on terrorism, relations with Pakistan, and key diplomatic engagements around the world.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India has sent seven political delegations to different parts of the world.

“Three delegations have already left. This is a political mission. We want to reach out to the world and show our strong commitment to fighting terrorism,” he said.

He added, “We are asking the world to come together to fight terrorism in all its forms. Countries that have supported cross-border terrorism against India for the last 40 years, mainly Pakistan, must be held responsible. Their actions need to be exposed.”

Jaiswal also spoke about External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar’s recent phone call with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

He said, “We posted about their conversation on ‘X’. The Minister thanked him for strongly condemning the terror attack in Pahalgam. They also discussed ways to improve cooperation between the two countries.”

India’s stand on the Indus Water Treaty remains the same. “The treaty will stay in abeyance,” Jaiswal confirmed.

When asked about possible talks with Pakistan, Jaiswal firmly said, “Trade and terror cannot go together.”

On the topic of Jammu and Kashmir, Jaiswal was clear, “The only discussion we will have about J&K is about getting back Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).”

Jaiswal also responded to the US blacklisting some Indian visa agents involved in illegal immigration. “India has taken action against such agents,” he said.