File photo: MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal
NEW DELHI: Ministry of external affairs on Thursday marked the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, asserting that India had given a “befitting reply” to Pakistan for sponsoring cross-border terrorism following the Pahalgam terror attack.Speaking during a media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the world had recognised the April 2025 Pahalgam attack for what it was and reiterated India’s right to defend itself against terrorism.“Today, we are marking the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor. The entire world saw the Pahalgam terrorist attack for what it was. We gave a befitting reply to Pakistan for its sponsorship of cross-border terrorism,” Jaiswal said.He added that “cross-border terrorism has long been used by Pakistan as an instrument of state policy” and stressed that India would continue to strengthen the global fight against terrorism.“We in India have every right to defend ourselves against terrorism. We will continue to work to strengthen the global fight against terrorism”, Jaiswal said.
MEA reiterates stand on Indus Waters Treaty
Jaiswal also reiterated India’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty, saying the agreement remains in abeyance due to Pakistan’s support for terrorism.“Our position on the Indus Waters Treaty has been consistent. IWT stands in abeyance in response to Pakistan’s sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. Pakistan must credibly and irrevocably abjure its support for cross-border terrorism,” he said.
Operation Sindoor launched after Pahalgam attack
Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. As part of the operation, Indian armed forces carried out strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.Indian forces targeted nine terror launchpads linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen, killing more than 100 terrorists during the operation.Earlier today, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai said the operation demonstrated that “Atmanirbhar is not just a slogan, it is indeed a force multiplier,” highlighting the role of indigenous defence systems and coordinated multi-agency efforts.He said the operation achieved its objectives through a “calibrated shot and sharp shock” that disrupted the enemy’s command and control systems without dragging India into a prolonged conflict.
Poll
Do you support the approach by India towards combating cross-border terrorism?
Ghai also asserted that Operation Sindoor was “not an end” but “just the beginning” of India’s continued fight against terrorism.
