India emphasized today that the recent missile attack by Iran on Pakistan is a bilateral matter exclusively concerning the two nations, according to statements from the foreign ministry. While acknowledging the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Iran and Pakistan, New Delhi reiterated its unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, responding to media queries, stated, “This is a matter between Iran and Pakistan. Insofar as India is concerned, we have an uncompromising zero tolerance towards terrorism. We understand actions that countries take in their self-defense.”
The incident in question involved Iran’s claim of dismantling two bases of the Sunni Balochi terror group Jaish al Adl in Pakistan, which had previously targeted Iranian security forces near the border with Pakistan. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, emphasized the targeted action on the Iranian terrorist group within Pakistan’s borders. He asserted, “We respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan, but we don’t allow national security to be compromised or played with.”
Pakistan, responding to the missile strikes, expressed strong condemnation, citing the loss of two children and deeming the incident “completely unacceptable” with potential “serious consequences.” Islamabad lodged a formal protest with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran, recalling its ambassador to Iran and suspending planned high-level bilateral visits.
In the aftermath of the events, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani highlighted terrorism as a “common threat” to the region, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts to combat it. The Pakistan foreign ministry cautioned against unilateral actions, warning that such measures could seriously undermine regional peace and stability.
It’s worth noting that the missile attack by Iran on Pakistan occurred a day after Iran’s strikes in Iraq and Syria, targeting what it termed “anti-Iranian terrorist groups.”
