Thu May 22 11:56:18 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Jaishankar Clarifies India-Pakistan Ceasefire, Vows Retaliation for Future Terror Attacks**
**The Hague, Netherlands – May 22, 2025** – External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has asserted that the recent cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan was a result of direct negotiations between the two nations, contradicting claims made by former U.S. President Donald Trump that Washington brokered the truce.
Speaking during a session with strategic experts in The Hague as part of his three-nation tour, Jaishankar emphasized that India initiated and finalized the ceasefire agreement with Pakistan directly. “The cessation of firing and military action was something which was negotiated directly between India and Pakistan,” he stated, adding that while other countries expressed concern, India made it clear that the cessation needed to be communicated directly between the Pakistani and Indian military leadership.
Jaishankar also delivered a stern warning to Pakistan, stating that India will retaliate against any future terror attacks originating from Pakistani soil, similar to the April 22nd attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of innocent civilians. He indicated that “Operation Sindoor,” India’s response to the Pahalgam attack which involved precision strikes on terror infrastructure within Pakistan, remains ongoing as a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated. “If the terrorists are in Pakistan, we will hit them where they are,” Jaishankar affirmed.
Furthermore, Jaishankar reiterated India’s willingness to engage in talks with Pakistan regarding the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the issue of terrorism. He also addressed concerns regarding security threats along India’s borders with China and Pakistan, emphasizing that security and economic growth are intertwined and that India prioritizes both.
The External Affairs Minister’s comments come in the wake of increased tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent Indian military action. The ceasefire agreement, announced on May 10th, aims to de-escalate the conflict and prevent further loss of life.
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