Pahalgam terror attack meant to create fear psychosis, sow religious discord: Jaishankar

NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar , speaking at the German Council on foreign relations on Friday, reflected on the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and India's subsequent strong retaliatory action under Operation Sindoor .

He described the attack as part of a wider pattern of crossborder terrorism aimed at destabilising the region and harming India's socio-economic fabric.

"This was meant to create a fear psychosis and destroy the tourism economy of the Kashmir...and sow religious discord," Jaishankar said, specifying the strategic intent behind the assault.

He added, "This was a terrorist attack, which is part of a pattern which has targeted not only J&K but other parts of India as well...what we were responding to were terrorism...and when we responded there were a lot of international understanding...we targeted terrorist headquarters and terror sites. Our campaign is against terrorism, and in this case, terrorists happen to be located in the country next door because that country, for many years, has used terrorism as a tool..."

Also read: 'No one undermined democracy in Pakistan in so many ways': Jaishankar slams hypocrisy of West


Reaffirming India’s position on its right to self-defence, Jaishankar also mentioned the growing international support for India ’s counterterrorism stance.

"When it comes to terrorism, today, there is virtually no country which would say they approve of what was done and won't condemn it...If I say I have the right to defend myself, my people and secure my country, much of the world will agree with me...Germany does. We are encouraged by the very early condemnation of the terrorist attack, as well as the clear message we got on May 7th and again today from Minister Wadephul that Germany recognises India's right to defend itself..." he said.