At India-Iran Joint Commission meet, Jaishankar defends cross-border strikes as targeted action after Pahalgam attack, reiterates India’s commitment to regional stability
New Delhi [India], May 9:
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, in his opening remarks at the 20th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting, firmly defended India’s precision strikes against terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoJK, describing them as a “targeted and measured response” to the barbaric Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.
“This attack compelled us to respond on 7th May by striking at cross-border terrorist infrastructure. Our response was targeted and measured,” Jaishankar stated during the joint commission session, addressing Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
Reiterating India’s intent to avoid conflict escalation, Jaishankar clarified that while India does not seek further escalation, any military attack on Indian territory would be met with a “very, very firm response.”
“It is not our intention to escalate this situation. However, if there are military attacks on us, there should be no doubt that it will be met with a very firm response,” he emphasized.
The minister’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions following Operation Sindoor, during which India’s armed forces launched coordinated strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The operation followed the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 28 civilians.
Shifting focus to the bilateral agenda, Jaishankar highlighted the depth of Indo-Iran relations, especially as the two nations marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
“This is the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic ties. It is a reminder of the closeness of our collaboration and the deep friendship between us,” he said, affirming India’s commitment to further strengthening ties with Iran.
He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Kazan in October 2024, and their subsequent phone call after the April 22 terror attack, underlining ongoing high-level engagement.
“They have also had a phone conversation on 26 April,” Jaishankar noted.
As geopolitical tensions simmer on India’s western front, the joint meeting underscored New Delhi’s approach of firm defence paired with diplomatic outreach, as India balances strategic deterrence with regional partnerships.