India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday reaffirmed that there is no change in its stand towards Pakistan. In a press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made it crystal clear: “Terrorism and talks cannot go together.”
This statement comes amid growing tension between India and Pakistan following the brutal Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, where 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed. Since then, military action and diplomatic fire have followed swiftly.
It means no backdoor talks, no peace deals, and certainly no trade until Pakistan gets serious about shutting down terror camps. For a country that has repeatedly faced the trauma of cross-border terrorism, this isn’t diplomacy—it’s self-respect.
India’s stand is simple, yet firm: No terror, no talk.
From ceasefire to water: Everything is on pause
Jaiswal added that India’s ceasefire position was made clear on May 17, but that doesn’t mean the country will keep absorbing attacks in silence. On the contrary, India launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, targeting nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Pakistan responded with drones and missile strikes, hitting areas in J&K, Punjab, and Rajasthan. India struck back.
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And it’s not just bullets flying—water talks are now dry too.
The Indus Water Treaty, a long-standing agreement between both nations, is in abeyance. Jaiswal quoted PM Modi’s sharp line: “Terror and trade cannot go together. Water and blood cannot flow together.”
Terrorists must be handed over—no exceptions
India has submitted a list of wanted terrorists to Pakistan. “They need to hand over those criminals,” said Jaiswal. These are not negotiable demands; they’re basic steps any “normal neighbour” would take—unless, of course, terrorism is part of the foreign policy.
No talks on Kashmir—except one
As for Kashmir? “Talks on Jammu & Kashmir will only happen when Pakistan vacates PoK,” Jaiswal said. That’s the only conversation India is willing to have on Kashmir.
This isn’t just policy—it’s principle. When a neighbour keeps arming your enemies and sending death across the border, “dialogue” isn’t diplomacy—it’s denial.
India isn’t falling for that anymore.
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