Was the Pahalgam Attack Intended to Instill Fear and Create Discord?

Berlin, May 23 (NationPress) Emphasizing India's unwavering stance against terrorism, India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar articulated that the recent Pahalgam terror attack aimed to instill fear psychosis among the populace, undermine the thriving tourism sector in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and incite religious discord among communities within the nation.

EAM Jaishankar expressed these sentiments during his address at the DGAP's Centre for Geopolitics, Geoeconomics, and Technology.

He noted that no nation globally endorses terrorism; rather, it is universally condemned.

The EAM pointed out that Germany also denounced the Pahalgam terror attack, asserting that India exclusively targets terrorist bases and training facilities originating from Pakistan, which has leveraged terrorism as a state-sponsored strategy to exert pressure on India.

Germany acknowledges India's right to defend itself against terrorism, EAM Jaishankar remarked.

India maintains a firm zero tolerance policy towards terrorism and will never succumb to nuclear coercion, he reiterated on Friday while updating Germany's leadership on new strategies for addressing cross-border terrorism backed by Pakistan.

EAM Jaishankar indicated that there would be no allowance for third-party mediation in India's relations with Pakistan during a joint press conference with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, in Berlin.

He shared insights on enhancing the ties between India and Germany as both nations celebrate 25 years of their strategic partnership, proposing collaborations across various sectors to advance their relationship.

He stated, "Being here early in this government's term ensures we waste no time paving a path to explore the next 25 years in our relationship."

Highlighting contemporary challenges such as the chips war, climate change, poverty, and the repercussions of the Covid pandemic, the EAM expressed confidence in the India-Germany partnership to confront these issues.

He underscored, "The global landscape is increasingly challenging... hence, I argue that the partnership between India and Germany—and India and the European Union, of which Germany is a vital member—has gained significance and relevance more than ever before."

Reflecting on his engagements in Germany, the EAM emphasized that now is the time to contemplate the next 25 years and how to fully harness the potential of India-Germany relations.

He outlined several areas for collaboration, beginning with defense and security. He noted that while there have been fluctuating defense ties, recent years have seen a renewed recognition in both countries of the mutual benefits of cooperation in this domain. This is evident through exercises and the presence of German ships in the Indo-Pacific and Indian ports, enhanced export licensing practices, and discussions on further technological and equipment collaboration.

The second area of focus was on talent and mobility to address demand and demographics. He highlighted that India's demographic advantage positions it well to contribute to a global workforce.

Technology and digital AI emerged as the third area, while sustainability and green growth were identified as the fourth.

He expressed optimism for increasing trade ties between the two nations, suggesting that a Free Trade Agreement with the EU would facilitate this growth.

He also shared updates from the event on X, stating, "A productive interaction @dgapev this evening. We discussed India and Germany strengthening ties to promote global stability, security, and prosperity, along with new bilateral opportunities and collaboration with the European Union. We're preparing for a robust partnership in a multipolar world."

Earlier on Friday morning, EAM Jaishankar conveyed India's gratitude to Chancellor Friedrich Merz for Germany's solidarity during the ongoing response to the Pahalgam attack.

"India has a firm zero tolerance for terrorism. We will not yield to nuclear intimidation. India will engage with Pakistan strictly on a bilateral basis," EAM Jaishankar asserted.

"There should be no ambiguity in this regard."

Wadephul expressed Germany's shock at the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam last month, condemning the assault on civilians in the strongest terms.

He added, "Germany will support any action against terrorism. Terrorism must find no sanctuary anywhere in the world, which is why we will assist everyone fighting against it."

EAM Jaishankar noted his conversation with Wadephul on May 7, coinciding with the launch of Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, emphasizing that India appreciates Germany's recognition that "every nation has the right to defend itself against terrorism."

Discussions between the two Foreign Ministers included the pivotal role of defense and security, with EAM Jaishankar underscoring Germany's significance as a key partner.

Wadephul remarked that both countries share a common goal of upholding a rules-based world order.

"India is critically important as a strong player in security policy in a strategically vital region," Wadephul stated.

EAM Jaishankar, currently on a three-nation tour across Europe that has taken him to the Netherlands and Denmark, met with members of the German Bundestag on Thursday to discuss India's unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.