Jaishankar Thanks UK for Backing India After Pahalgam Attack, Reaffirms Zero Tolerance Against Terrorism
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday appreciated the United Kingdom’s strong condemnation of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, during a meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Addressing the press after their meeting, Jaishankar said, “Let me thank the government of the United Kingdom for the strong condemnation of the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and for your solidarity and support to India in the fight against terrorism.”
Reaffirming India’s firm position on the issue, he added, “We practice a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and expect our partners to understand it. We will never countenance perpetrators of evil being put at par with their victims.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had earlier called the attack “utterly devastating,” expressing his condolences on April 23 via social media. “My thoughts are with those affected, their loved ones, and the people of India,” Starmer posted on X (formerly Twitter).
An All-Party Parliamentary Delegation from India, led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, visited the UK from May 31 to June 3 to brief British officials and lawmakers on the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s counter-response through Operation Sindoor.
On the final day of the visit, the delegation met with the Speaker of the House of Commons, members of the UK and Indian media, and the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on India. Key discussions focused on India’s counter-terrorism strategy and its firm response to cross-border threats.
Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his second official visit to India. The discussions are expected to focus on the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, particularly on economic cooperation and migration frameworks.
The British High Commission stated that both countries are working toward “deepening and diversifying” their strategic partnership to bring tangible benefits for citizens in both nations.
