External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has confirmed Germany’s support for India’s right to defend itself against terrorism, following the recent Pahalgam terror attack and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor. Speaking at the German Council on Foreign Relations, Jaishankar emphasized the global understanding of India’s actions and condemned Pakistan’s continued use of terrorism as a state policy.
“When it comes to terrorism, there is virtually no country today that would condone such acts,” Jaishankar said. “Germany recognises India’s right to defend itself. We are encouraged by the early condemnation of the terrorist attack and Germany’s reaffirmation of support.”
Describing the April 22 Pahalgam attack as part of a recurring pattern targeting India’s unity and economy, he said it aimed to create fear, damage the tourism sector in Kashmir, and provoke religious unrest. “Our response targeted terror infrastructure. This is not about conflict, it is about countering terrorism. And in this case, the terrorists happen to be based in a neighbouring country that has used terrorism as a tool for decades.”
Jaishankar’s remarks came during his visit to Germany as India and Germany mark 25 years of their strategic partnership. At an event hosted by the DGAP’s Centre for Geopolitics, Geoeconomics, and Technology, he reflected on the significance of the milestone and called for a forward-looking roadmap for the next 25 years.
Highlighting key areas for cooperation, he proposed deepening ties in four domains:
- Defence and Security – Jaishankar stressed the need to revive and strengthen the defence partnership, pointing to recent joint exercises, naval visits, and technology collaboration as signs of renewed interest.
- Talent and Mobility – With India’s young population and growing global workforce, he underscored the potential to match demographic strengths with Germany’s labour market needs.
- Technology and Digital AI – He identified this sector as crucial for innovation-driven cooperation.
- Sustainability and Green Growth – A shared priority, Jaishankar said this area offers vast scope for collaboration, particularly in energy transition and climate resilience.
He also expressed hope that a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union—where Germany plays a pivotal role—would give a fresh boost to bilateral trade and investment.
“India and Germany, along with the broader EU, must prepare for a stronger partnership in an increasingly multipolar world,” Jaishankar concluded, reinforcing India’s commitment to both global peace and firm counterterrorism measures.