By The Sampadak Express
India remains resolute in its zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and expects its global partners to respect and align with this stance, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Saturday during bilateral talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
The statement came amid India’s ongoing concerns over perceived equivalence being drawn between India and Pakistan following recent military tensions in the region. Lammy is currently in India on a two-day visit aimed at strengthening the India-UK strategic partnership.
In his opening remarks, Jaishankar thanked the UK government for its strong condemnation of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed several lives. He appreciated the UK’s continued support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts.“
Let me thank the Government of the United Kingdom for the strong condemnation of the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam… and for your solidarity and support to India in the fight against terrorism,” Jaishankar said.“
We practice a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and expect our partners to understand it. We will never accept the perpetrators of evil being equated with its victims,” he added.
During the high-level discussions, India also raised the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The UK had earlier engaged diplomatically with both India and Pakistan during a recent military standoff, advocating for de-escalation and dialogue.
It’s noteworthy that prior to his India visit, Lammy was in Islamabad on May 16, where he welcomed the May 10 agreement between the two nations to cease hostilities.
Beyond security concerns, the two leaders also reviewed major developments in economic cooperation. Jaishankar highlighted the successful conclusion of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention, calling them significant milestones in the evolving bilateral relationship.
Lammy’s visit is expected to further consolidate ties between the two countries, with a shared focus on trade, investment, security, and global cooperation.
