‘Zero tolerance on terrorism’: External Affairs Minister Jaishankar sends strong message to UK foreign secretary

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar issued a firm message on terrorism while holding talks with visiting British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in New Delhi on June 7.

Reaffirming India’s uncompromising stance, Jaishankar said the country expects its partners to understand its “policy of zero tolerance” towards terrorism and made it clear that India would not “countenance perpetrators of evil being put on par with its victims.”

The meeting came shortly after Lammy’s comments during his Pakistan visit on May 17, where he said that the US and UK were working with India and Pakistan to support “an enduring ceasefire,” dialogue, and confidence-building measures.

The remarks caused concern in New Delhi, which has consistently opposed any third-party role in India-Pakistan matters, especially following the four-day military escalation triggered by the Pahalgam terror attacks.

“We practice a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and expect our partners to understand it, and we will never countenance perpetrators of evil being put on par with its victims,” Jaishankar said, while thanking the UK government for condemning the Pahalgam attack and backing India’s fight against terrorism.

According to the UK High Commission, Lammy’s agenda included discussions on the “recent escalation in tensions following the Pahalgam terrorist attack and how the welcomed sustained period of peace can be best supported in the interests of stability in the region.”

Jaishankar’s remarks are being seen as part of a broader diplomatic effort to counter what India perceives as attempts to equate its counter-terror operations with actions by Pakistan.

The aftermath of Operation Sindoor saw several countries offering to mediate, a move India strongly rejected.

The government has also faced opposition criticism over international statements suggesting third-party involvement.

US President Donald Trump’s claim of having mediated, along with similar impressions given by Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov and Lammy, were cited as examples.

The opposition further raised concerns over Pakistan’s new roles at the United Nations Security Council, where it holds a non-permanent seat and has secured positions as chair of the Taliban Sanctions Committee and vice-chair of the Counter Terrorism Committee.

Government sources said India is closely monitoring Pakistan’s UNSC activities, particularly as it prepares to assume the council’s presidency in July.

Pakistan had requested leadership of four terrorism-related committees but was appointed to head only two and co-chair some informal working groups.

Officials also highlighted that over 50 of the 343 individuals and entities designated by the UNSC as terrorists are linked to or based in Pakistan, including globally wanted figures such as Osama bin Laden.

The Ministry of External Affairs did not comment on whether the UNSC issue was discussed during Lammy’s visit.

Lammy also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his second such meeting following a visit in July 2024, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to advance discussions on the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which was finalized last month.

A signing of the FTA may take place during the G7 summit in Canada later this month, where Prime Ministers Modi and Keith Starmer are expected to meet on the sidelines.

Jaishankar described the trade pact as a “milestone” and cited its potential alongside other bilateral initiatives like the Technology Security Initiative for AI and the Strategic Exports and Technology Cooperation Dialogue.

“Signing a free trade agreement is just the start of our ambitions; we’re building a modern partnership with India for a new global era,” Lammy said ahead of his visit, citing collaboration on technology, security, climate change, economic growth, and migration.