In his first media interaction since Operation Sindoor, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar warned Pakistan while speaking to reporters after the inauguration of the Honduras embassy in New Delhi.
Addressing the cessation of military action between the two nations, Dr Jaishankar stated, "It is clear who wanted cessation of firing."
He emphasised that India had successfully achieved its strategic objectives during the operation. "We achieved the goals which we set out to do by destroying the terrorist infrastructure. Since key goals were achieved, I think we reasonably took the position, because even at the start of the operation, we had sent a message to Pakistan saying we are striking at terrorist infrastructure and not military and the military has an option to stand out and not interfere," he explained.
Dr Jaishankar noted that Pakistan had disregarded India's warning. "They chose not to take that good advice. Once they got badly hit on the morning of 10th May. The satellite pictures show how much damage we did and what little damage they did. It is clear who wanted cessation of firing," he remarked.
In a significant policy announcement, the minister confirmed the suspension of a key water-sharing agreement. "The Indus Waters Treaty is held in abeyance and will continue to be held in abeyance until the cross-border terrorism by Pakistan is credibly and irrevocably stopped," Dr Jaishankar declared.
On the Kashmir issue, he maintained India's consistent long-standing stand, saying, "The only thing which remains to be discussed on Kashmir is the vacating of illegally occupied Indian territory in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir; we are open to that discussion."
When questioned about ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, Dr Jaishankar cautioned against premature conclusions. "Between India and the US, trade talks have been going on. These are complicated negotiations. Nothing is decided till everything is. Any trade deal has to be mutually beneficial; it has to work for both countries. That would be our expectation from the trade deal. Until that is done, any judgment on it would be premature," he said.
