“We Will Hit Them Where They Are”: Jaishankar Reaffirms India's Tough Stance on Cross-Border Terrorism

 In a bold reaffirmation of India’s counter-terrorism strategy, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has made it clear that India will not hesitate to strike terrorist targets across the border, including those operating from Pakistan. His remarks came during an interview with Netherlands-based media outlet NOS, where he provided detailed insights into Operation Sindoor and India’s response to the barbaric April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

“If Terrorists Are in Pakistan, We Will Hit Them There”

Reiterating a no-tolerance policy against terrorism, Jaishankar emphasized that India reserves the right to respond to cross-border terror attacks, especially when concrete evidence points to Pakistan-based terrorist networks.

“If there are acts like the one we saw on April 22nd, there will be a response. We will hit the terrorists. If the terrorists are in Pakistan, we will hit them where they are,” Jaishankar stated unequivocally.

He noted that while a ceasefire agreement with Pakistan remains in place, the continuation of Operation Sindoor is a strategic signal that India will not stand down in the face of terror threats.

The Pahalgam Attack: A Trigger for Strong Action

The April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, was a deeply disturbing act of violence that saw 26 tourists murdered after their religious identity was confirmed. Jaishankar called it a deliberate attempt to damage Kashmir’s tourism economy and incite communal discord.

According to Jaishankar, the terror outfit The Resistance Front (TRF) — a known proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) — claimed responsibility. He stressed that India had raised repeated red flags about TRF to the UN Security Council's 1267 Sanctions Committee in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Hitting Back: Operation Sindoor Explained

In the wake of the attack, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terrorist facilities across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The operation resulted in the neutralization of over 100 terrorists linked to LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM).

Jaishankar also revealed that UN lists of designated terrorists and their known locations helped guide India’s precision strikes.

“These are not secret locations. The UN publishes these lists. We hit the very places that are listed — where these terrorists reside, operate, and command from,” he explained, even displaying a copy of the list during the interview.

Counter-Strike and Ceasefire: A Four-Day Confrontation

Following India's strikes, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling and attempted drone incursions. India responded swiftly, launching coordinated counter-attacks that crippled Pakistan’s air capabilities.

Jaishankar disclosed that on May 10, Indian forces rendered eight Pakistani airbases non-functional by targeting runways, radar systems, and command centers — including one near Rawalpindi.

“On May 10, after Pakistan launched fresh attacks that morning, we responded by hitting eight airbases. That compelled the Pakistani military to come to the table,” he said.

The intense four-day standoff concluded with a bilateral agreement to cease hostilities, and both sides have since repositioned military assets.

“We Cannot Afford to Stay Silent”

Responding to critics who questioned the need for retaliation, Jaishankar highlighted that past inaction only emboldened terror groups. He stressed that the current government has adopted a clear doctrine: acts of terrorism will not go unanswered.

“Earlier governments may have chosen not to respond. We have seen the consequences of that. This government is committed to protecting Indian lives, and that means taking firm action,” he said.

As Operation Sindoor continues to send a strong message across borders, India has clearly signaled a new era in its counter-terrorism doctrine — one that blends diplomatic resolve with decisive military capability.

While a fragile peace currently holds along the Line of Control, the Indian leadership has made its position crystal clear: terrorism will invite swift and targeted retribution, regardless of borders.