S. Jaishankar on Operation Sindhu: India Prepared for a Larger Response to a Major Pakistani Attack
S Jaishankar On Talk With US: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar issued a b statement regarding the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Dismissing American claims that the US brokered a ceasefire during Operation Sindhu, Jaishankar clarified that India does not take decisions based on the advice of any third country. In a meeting with the Parliament's Consultative Committee on External Affairs, Jaishankar explicitly stated that if Pakistan launches a major attack, India is prepared to retaliate with an even larger response.
Operation Sindhu and US Involvement
The controversy stemmed from a recent statement by former US President Donald Trump claiming that the US had orchestrated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. This sparked questions from the opposition, which the External Affairs Minister addressed by reiterating that no third country played any role in Operation Sindhu. Jaishankar explained that when the US Secretary of State contacted India during the operation, warning of a potential major attack by Pakistan, India's immediate response was that it would retaliate with a larger attack if provoked.
Jaishankar's Advice to the Opposition
Jaishankar advised the opposition to directly engage with the government if they required information on the matter. He criticized raising questions about Operation Sindhu in the media, arguing that it provides opportunities for Pakistan and exacerbates the situation. He also emphasized that Operation Sindhu was not yet concluded, making irresponsible statements inappropriate.
Message to Pakistan
The External Affairs Minister clarified that after the first phase of Operation Sindhu, Pakistan was informed that India had only targeted terrorist camps. He reiterated India's clear policy: India will respond if Pakistan initiates fire; conversely, India will cease fire only if Pakistan does so. This message, Jaishankar emphasized, has been consistently conveyed to all inquiring nations.
Government's Stance on the Indus Waters Treaty
Discussions during the meeting also touched upon the Indus Waters Treaty. Jaishankar stated that the government will make decisions solely in the national interest, and any decision will be in India's best interests. He highlighted that national security and self-reliance are India's priorities, and the government's actions reflect this commitment.
A Definite Rejection of US Mediation Claims
Jaishankar unequivocally stated that any ceasefire between India and Pakistan is determined through discussions between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries. He firmly rejected any involvement of a third party, specifically dismissing the US claims of mediation.
