India Will Not Yield to Pakistan's 'Nuclear Blackmail', Says EAM Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar declared that India will not allow "nuclear blackmail" to prevent it from responding to terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Speaking in New York, he characterized the recent Pahalgam attack as "economic warfare" designed to destroy tourism in Kashmir. He asserted that India will no longer spare governments that support and finance terror proxies and will do what is necessary to defend its people, signalling a hardened stance on national security and cross-border terrorism.
Unpacked:
The Pahalgam attack occurred on April 22, 2025, when five militants attacked a tourist area in Kashmir, killing 25 people. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility but later retracted. The attack targeted Hindu tourists, aiming to damage tourism and economic stability in the region.
India launched Operation Sindoor, conducting air strikes on alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Pakistan’s recognized territory. Additionally, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty and took a tougher stance on governments supporting terror groups. These actions led to military and diplomatic escalation with Pakistan.
Pakistan retaliated by suspending bilateral treaties, closing its border, stopping trade, and conducting strikes against Indian military targets. Pakistan disputed India’s claims of targeting only terrorist infrastructure, alleging civilian casualties, and both sides exchanged artillery fire along the Line of Control before a ceasefire was eventually announced.
India’s tougher approach, including military strikes and suspending treaties, has increased tensions with Pakistan, sparking fears of further escalation. While a ceasefire is currently in place, mutual suspicions remain high, and key agreements and trade remain suspended, leaving regional stability fragile and the Kashmir dispute unresolved.