Clear Message : It is not our intention to escalate this situation. However, if there are military attacks on us, there should be no doubt that it will be met with a very very firm response – S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister

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In a tough message to Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankarhas said India has no intention to escalate tensions with the neighbouring nation but any military attacks on its soil will be met with a “very” firm response.

AS reported by PTI, Jaishankar made the remarks at a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The external affairs minister said the “barbaric” Pahalgam terror attack compelled India to carry out strikes on “cross-border” terror infrastructure on Wednesday.

“This attack compelled us to respond on May 7 by striking at cross-border terrorist infrastructure. Our response was targeted and measured,” he said.

“It is not our intention to escalate this situation. However, if there are military attacks on us, there should be no doubt that it will be met with a very very firm response,” Jaishankar said.

“As a neighbour and close partner, it is important that you have a good understanding of this situation,” he added.

The Iranian foreign minister landed in New Delhi around midnight Wednesday on a scheduled visit amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

Jaishankar and Araghchi co-chaired the 20th India-Iran joint commission meeting that was focused on boosting ties in areas of trade and investment.