Terror and talks cannot go together: MEA

New Delhi, May 29: In a sharp rebuttal to claims made by the United States regarding its alleged role in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan earlier this month, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday reiterated that there was no third-party intervention during the recent hostilities and that India’s position on talks with Pakistan remains unchanged.
Addressing a press briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, categorically stated that no trade-related discussions took place with the United States during the period when India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’—a counter-terror strike targeting nine terror infrastructure hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7.
“I refer you to the position made clear on May 13. From the time Operation Sindoor commenced on May 7, the issue of trade or tariffs did not come up in any of our discussions with the United States. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar had also clarified that the ceasefire understanding was established directly through DGMOs (Director Generals of Military Operations),” Jaiswal said.
Responding to questions about American assertions that it played a role in averting a possible nuclear confrontation, the MEA spokesperson firmly denied any such involvement.
“The plea for ceasefire came from Islamabad. It was Pakistan’s DGMO who contacted his Indian counterpart. There was no American mediation,” Jaiswal asserted.
Jaiswal emphasized that there has been no change in India’s principled position on Pakistan and reiterated the longstanding policy that “terrorism and talks cannot go together.”
“As far as our engagement with Pakistan is concerned, our position is unchanged. Any talks must be bilateral and conditional upon Pakistan ending cross-border terrorism,” he said.
India has demanded that Pakistan hand over listed terrorists whose names and dossiers were submitted years ago. “Only discussion will be held on when Pakistan will vacate PoK,” Jaiswal added.
Touching upon the Indus Water Treaty, Jaiswal stated that the agreement would remain in abeyance until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably” stops supporting terrorism.
“Just like PM Narendra Modi has said—terror and talks cannot go together, terror and trade cannot go together, and water and blood cannot flow together,” he remarked.
The recent escalation in Indo-Pak tensions followed a deadly terror attack in the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam on April 22, where 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed. This led to India’s decisive military response under “Operation Sindoor.”
On Missing Indians in Iran, deportations, and Bangladesh, Jaiswal also addressed several other foreign policy concerns.
“We are aware that three Indians are missing in Iran. We are in touch with Iranian authorities and understand the anxiety of the families,” he said.
On the deportation of Indians from the United States, he said, “So far, 1,080 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States. We continue to cooperate closely on immigration-related matters.”
On Indian students in the US, he said, “We want our students to reach their universities on time. We’ve seen reports of updated visa guidance and hope that applications will be assessed on merit.”
On Pro-Khalistan activities, Jaiswal said, “There should be no political space for separatism. We expect firm action against those promoting anti-India agendas.”
Referring to the new Afghan visa module, Jaiswal said, “India has rolled out a new visa framework for Afghan nationals, discontinuing the old module and enabling applications under six categories.”
He also rejected allegations by Bangladesh’s political circles and military blaming India for internal unrest. “Bangladesh must take responsibility for its internal matters and refrain from shifting blame. We remain committed to constructive regional engagement,” Jaiswal said.
He said that India’s Foreign Secretary is currently on an official visit to the United States for high-level bilateral discussions, including trade negotiations under the broader COMPACT framework. “These discussions cover a wide range of issues and are ongoing. Trade matters continue to be negotiated in the appropriate forums,” Jaiswal said. (KNO)