Mon May 19 21:10:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Jaishankar Begins European Tour, Secures Dutch Support Against Terrorism After Recent Conflict with Pakistan**

**The Hague – May 20, 2025** – Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar commenced a three-nation European tour in The Hague on Monday, holding crucial discussions with his Dutch counterpart, Caspar Veldkamp, and Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans. The visit, his first overseas trip following a brief military confrontation with Pakistan, focused on deepening bilateral ties, strengthening engagement with the European Union, and addressing regional security concerns.

A key highlight of the meeting with Minister Veldkamp was the Netherlands’ strong condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, which prompted India to launch “Operation Sindoor,” a series of precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Jaishankar expressed his gratitude for the Dutch support for zero tolerance against terrorism.

“Appreciate Netherlands’ strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack. And support for zero tolerance against terrorism,” Jaishankar stated on X (formerly Twitter). The ministers also discussed the broader global situation in an era of multi-polarity.

Discussions with Defence Minister Brekelmans centered on mutual security perspectives and challenges, as well as the potential for a bilateral defence partnership.

Jaishankar’s visit also included a meeting with strategic experts, where they explored avenues for closer cooperation between India, the Netherlands, and the broader EU in the context of multi-polarity and strategic autonomy.

The Indian Embassy in The Hague emphasized that the visit would further strengthen India-Netherlands relations. Jaishankar is expected to brief his counterparts in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany about “Operation Sindoor,” India’s response to the Pahalgam attack, which led to a brief but intense exchange of fire between Indian and Pakistani forces earlier this month. Both nations reached an understanding on May 10th to de-escalate. The remainder of Jaishankar’s tour will focus on furthering bilateral relations and addressing global matters of mutual interest.

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