Relations with Pakistan will remain strictly bilateral: Jaishankar

New Delhi

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s long-standing stance that all issues with Pakistan will be handled bilaterally. Speaking at the inauguration of the Embassy of Honduras in New Delhi, Jaishankar said, Our relations and dealings with Pakistan will be strictly bilateral. This national consensus has remained unchanged for many years.

This statement comes amid US President Donald Trump’s recent comments about India-Pakistan tensions and efforts to mediate peace. The Ministry of External Affairs also clarified that matters concerning Jammu and Kashmir must be resolved directly between India and Pakistan. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal added that the core issue remains Pakistan’s illegal occupation of Indian territory.

Jaishankar highlighted India’s success in Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist infrastructure following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 civilians were killed. The Resistance Front, linked to Lashkar-e-Toiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. Jaishankar noted strong international support and said, We held them accountable through the operation.

He stressed that India is open to talks only on terrorism, urging Pakistan to hand over terrorists and dismantle their networks. India’s military strikes avoided targeting Pakistani forces, but Pakistan chose to engage despite warnings.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh supported the stance, saying India respects ceasefire only if no terror attacks occur. He called Operation Sindoor India’s largest anti-terror mission, striking a heavy blow to terrorists. Both leaders emphasized a firm yet focused approach to maintain national security and peace.