New Delhi: External affairs minister S Jaishankar again reiterated India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism during his meeting with UK foreign secretary David Lammy in New Delhi on Saturday. Referring to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, Jaishankar said, “We will never countenance perpetrators of evil being put at par with their victims.”
His remark came amid growing concerns in New Delhi over international attempts to “hyphenate” India and Pakistan in the wake of last month’s cross-border hostilities. Jaishankar emphasised that India expects its partners to understand and respect its uncompromising policy against terrorism.
Opening remarks at my meeting with UK Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy in Delhi today.
🇮🇳 🇬🇧
https://t.co/eUWjNBWDJn— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 7, 2025
‘Zero tolerance against terrorism’
“I thank the Government of the United Kingdom for the strong condemnation of the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam,” Jaishankar added. “We practice a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and expect our partners to understand it.”
The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues during the meeting, including counterterrorism cooperation, trade, and strategic collaboration. Jaishankar also welcomed the recently concluded India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), calling it a “milestone” that would boost bilateral economic ties and reinforce global supply chains.
India-Pak tensions after Pahalgam attack
The UK foreign secretary’s visit comes weeks after India launched “Operation Sindoor” in response to the Pahalgam attack. The armed forces conducted precise attacks on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). It prompted a four-day military escalation before a ceasefire was reached on May 10.
Lammy’s trip to New Delhi came after his visit to Islamabad in mid-May, during which he welcomed the ceasefire. However, Indian officials remain wary of any perceived equivalence drawn between Indian counterterror actions and Pakistan-backed terror activities.
During their discussions, Jaishankar and Lammy also reviewed the status of the India–UK strategic partnership, expressing optimism about future collaboration in defence, education, climate action, and digital innovation.
