India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar firmly reiterated New Delhi’s stance on terrorism during talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, stating that India will not tolerate any equivalence between perpetrators of terrorism and their victims. His remarks come amid apparent frustration in New Delhi over international attempts to “hyphenate” India and Pakistan, particularly following last month’s military clashes between the two countries.
Key Highlights from Jaishankar-Lammy Meeting:
- Zero Tolerance on Terrorism:
Jaishankar emphasized that India expects its international partners to understand and respect its “zero tolerance” policy toward terrorism. “We will never countenance perpetrators of evil being put at par with their victims,” he said, in a clear rebuke to any diplomatic framing that equates Indian countermeasures with Pakistan’s actions. - UK Condemnation of Pahalgam Attack:
He also expressed gratitude to the UK for condemning the Pahalgam terror attack, calling it a “barbaric act” and acknowledging the UK’s support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts. - India-UK Free Trade Agreement:
Jaishankar described the recently concluded India-UK free trade agreement as a “milestone” in bilateral ties. The pact is expected to boost economic cooperation and investment between the two countries. - Concerns over UK’s Mediation Stance:
The Indian side is reported to have conveyed concerns about external diplomatic interference, referencing how the UK was among countries that reached out to both India and Pakistan during the May 10–13 cross-border military skirmishes. London’s calls for restraint were seen in New Delhi as contributing to an unwarranted moral equivalence. - Lammy’s Dual Diplomacy:
Prior to visiting India, David Lammy had visited Islamabad (May 16–17), where he welcomed the ceasefire agreement and advocated for de-escalation. His visit to both capitals in quick succession reflects London’s desire to act as a diplomatic bridge, though New Delhi clearly wants its anti-terrorism position unambiguously supported.
Strategic Outlook:
The tone of the Jaishankar-Lammy talks highlights India’s growing assertiveness on the international stage, especially when it comes to terrorism emanating from across its western border. While economic cooperation between India and the UK is deepening, diplomatic sensitivities around security and counter-terrorism remain a flashpoint, particularly when Western powers appear to equate India’s sovereign defensive actions with Pakistan’s support for non-state actors.
Lammy’s visit also signals the UK’s post-Brexit strategy to strengthen bilateral ties with major Indo-Pacific players like India, even as it navigates complex geopolitical sensitivities in South Asia.
