'Time to hold Pakistan accountable': MEA on India’s global outreach to expose 40 years of cross-border terrorism

At a press briefing on Thursday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared key updates on its ongoing diplomatic efforts. The government reaffirmed its tough position on terrorism, relations with Pakistan, and strategic international outreach.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India has sent seven political delegations to various countries to highlight its stance against terrorism.

“Three delegations have already left. This is a political mission. We want to reach out to the world and show our strong commitment to fighting terrorism,” he said.


He further stated, “We are asking the world to come together to fight terrorism in all its forms. Countries that have supported cross-border terrorism against India for the last 40 years, mainly Pakistan, must be held responsible. Their actions need to be exposed.”

Reiterating India’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty, Jaiswal said, “The treaty will stay in abeyance.”

He added, “On the Indus Waters Treaty, it will remain in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. As our Prime Minister has said, ‘Water and blood cannot flow together.’”

When asked about the possibility of talks with Pakistan, the MEA spokesperson was firm in his response, “Trade and terror cannot go together.”

He added, “On terrorism itself, we are open to discussing the handing over to India of noted terrorists whose list was provided to Pakistan some years ago.”

Jaiswal also addressed the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, underlining India’s firm stance. “The only discussion we will have about J&K is about getting back Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK),” he said.

He added, “I would like to underline that any bilateral discussion on Jammu & Kashmir will only be on the vacation of illegally occupied Indian territory by Pakistan.”

Responding to US President Donald Trump’s claim that he helped reduce tensions between India and Pakistan, Jaiswal said, “You are well aware of our position that any India-Pakistan engagement has to be bilateral.”