Will India Ever Succumb to Nuclear Blackmail? EAM Jaishankar Speaks in Germany

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India has a zero tolerance policy towards terrorism.
- EAM Jaishankar emphasized that India will not yield to nuclear blackmail.
- India and Pakistan will engage strictly through bilateral means.
- Germany expressed strong support for India's right to defend itself.
- Strengthening strategic partnerships is crucial for regional stability.
Berlin, May 23 (NationPress) Emphasizing India's unwavering stance against terrorism, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar declared on Friday that the nation will categorically resist nuclear blackmail and will engage with Pakistan exclusively through bilateral channels.
This emphatic declaration was made during a joint press conference featuring EAM Jaishankar and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, where Berlin expressed its full backing for India following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, reinforcing that New Delhi has every right to defend itself against acts of terrorism.
"I arrive in Berlin shortly after India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack. India maintains a zero tolerance policy towards terrorism. We will never succumb to nuclear blackmail, and our dealings with Pakistan will remain strictly bilateral. There should be no ambiguity on that front. We appreciate Germany’s recognition that every nation has the right to defend itself against terrorism," stated EAM Jaishankar.
During their discussions, both ministers focused on enhancing the strategic partnership between their nations, aiming to make it "stronger, deeper, and closer", while also identifying areas of future potential and promise.
Wadephul expressed, "We were all horrified by the vicious terrorist attack on India on April 22. We vehemently condemn this assault on civilians. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victims and their families. After military confrontations on both sides, India undeniably has the right to defend itself against terrorism... the existing truce is something we highly value," he noted.
He further emphasized, "The key now is to ensure that this truce remains stable, paving the way for dialogue to discover bilateral solutions."
EAM Jaishankar expressed his eagerness to host Wadephul in India, stating, "I shared views on a range of issues, from our immediate neighborhood to global challenges. I look forward to welcoming him in India," he remarked in a post on X following their meeting.
This visit to Germany is the final stop on EAM Jaishankar's three-nation tour, which commenced in the Netherlands on May 19, following an official visit to Denmark.
Throughout his tour, the EAM engaged with the leadership of these nations, discussing a wide array of bilateral relations and regional and global matters of shared interest.