‘India reserves right to defend itself against terrorism”
New Delhi :The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday reiterated that India’s response to cross-border terrorism remains firm and uncompromising, as the country marked the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor.
Briefing reporters in Delhi the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India gave a “befitting reply” to Pakistan following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians, mostly tourists were killed.
He said the world had seen the attack “for what it was” and noted that India continues to face the challenge of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
Jaiswal said India reserves the right to defend itself against terrorism and added that New Delhi has been consistently working to strengthen global cooperation in the fight against terror. “The world is aware that cross-border terrorism has long been used as an instrument of state policy by Pakistan. India has every right to defend itself against such threats,” he said.
On the Indus Water Treaty, the spokesperson said the agreement remains in abeyance in view of Pakistan’s continued support to cross-border terrorism. He added that Islamabad must “credibly and irrevocably” end its support for such activities.
The Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the sharing of river waters between India and Pakistan, was put in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack last year, marking a significant shift in bilateral arrangements.
Officials said key water infrastructure, including the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district, continues to remain operational with gates closed even a year after the decision.
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack and targeted terror infrastructure across the Line of Control and deep inside Pakistan. Officials said the strikes were part of a calibrated tri-services operation aimed at dismantling terror networks
