Germany Backs India’s Right To Self-Defence After Pahalgam Terror Attack

India's right to self-defence in the face of terrorism has been strongly supported by Germany, especially in the wake of the recent Pahalgam incident in Jammu and Kashmir and India's Operation Sindoor, which targeted militant infrastructure across the border. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul gave clear support to countries fighting terrorism to India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during a joint news briefing in Berlin.

"Germany will support any fight against terrorism. Terrorism must never have a place in the world, anywhere, and this is why we will support everyone who fights and has to fight terrorism," Wadephul said, referencing India's counter-terror operations.

The high-level bilateral discussions between Jaishankar and Wadephul are part of India's outreach to the international community following the deadly terror strike in Pahalgam. Operation Sindoor, launched in its aftermath, aimed to dismantle terrorist launchpads across the Line of Control.

Responding to a question about Germany's stance on Operation Sindoor, Jaishankar clarified, "I think you are misinformed. In fact, we had a conversation on the 7th of May, which is when we initiated our operations. It was a very understanding and positive conversation. And quite honestly, even before that, the German government had expressed solidarity."

He added that Germany had explicitly acknowledged India's right to defend itself from acts of terrorism. "The minister very clearly conveyed Germany's understanding that every nation has a right to defend itself against terrorism," Jaishankar said.

During his May 19-24 diplomatic tour of the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany, Jaishankar reiterated India's unwavering anti-terrorism position. "As India responded to the Pahalgam terror assault, I travelled to Berlin right away. India does not tolerate any form of terrorism. India will deal with Pakistan only on a bilateral basis and will never succumb to nuclear blackmail. In that sense, there should be no misunderstanding anywhere. We also appreciate Germany's recognition of the right of any country to self-defence against terrorism.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar also met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin and conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.