Pahalgam Attack Meant to Fuel Fear, Stoke Religious Tensions : Jaishankar
Shriya TSN 
Jaishankar
According to EAM S. Jaishankar, the terrorist incident reflects a consistent strategy targeting both Jammu and Kashmir and various parts of the country.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Friday that the Pahalgam terror attack was deliberately carried out to spread fear, disrupt Kashmir’s tourism sector, and incite religious tensions.
Speaking at the German Council on Foreign Relations, the minister addressed the recent terrorist incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and highlighted India’s firm response through ‘Operation Sindoor’.
“The intention behind the attack was to instill fear, cripple Kashmir’s tourism industry, and provoke religious divisions,” said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, outlining the strategic motive of the assault.
He noted that the attack was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of terrorism affecting Jammu and Kashmir as well as other regions across India.
“Our response was directed at terrorism,” Jaishankar emphasized. “There was considerable international support for our actions, which specifically targeted terrorist bases and infrastructure,” he added.
‘Pakistan Has Long Used Terrorism as a Strategy’
Reaffirming India’s firm stance against terrorism, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly criticized Pakistan for employing terrorism as a deliberate instrument of policy over the years.
“Our fight is against terrorism—and in this case, the perpetrators are based in a neighboring country that has, for many years, used terrorism as a strategic tool,” Jaishankar said.
He reiterated India’s inherent right to self-defense and underscored the growing global support for its counterterrorism measures.
“Today, when it comes to terrorism, there are hardly any countries that would refrain from condemning such acts. If I assert my right to protect my people and my nation, a majority of the world stands with us. Germany certainly does,” he noted.
On Friday, Germany condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and affirmed India’s right to act in self-defense against cross-border terrorism. German Foreign and Finance Minister Johann Wadephul, in a meeting with Jaishankar, strongly denounced the “heinous terrorist attacks in Pahalgam.”
“We deeply appreciate Germany’s prompt condemnation of the attack and the unambiguous support expressed by Minister Wadephul—both on May 7 and again today—recognizing India’s right to defend itself,” Jaishankar added.
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