India calls Pahalgam response measured in talks with Australia

India's actions against Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack were measured, non-escalatory and proportionate,c told Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles at a bilateral meeting on Wednesday.

Marles, who also holds the defence portfolio, joined Singh in condemning the terror attack and both sides resolved to combat terrorism in all its forms. "Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India's right to respond in self-defence against cross-border terrorism and described New Delhi's actions against Pakistan as measured, non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible," officials said.

India has been highlighting to the international community that cross-border strikes were carried out only to strike terrorists who had been using Pakistani soil to plot and carry out attacks on Indian citizens. At present, seven all-party delegations are on a world tour to sensitise foreign countries on India's position.


Officials said that during the bilateral talks with Australia, the two sides also signed a joint defence science and technology research project and agreed to intensify and diversify defence industry collaboration.

Officials said that discussions during the bilateral engagement covered several issues, including cyber and new emerging technologies, counter-terrorism, hydrography and maritime security.