'No intention to escalate, but will respond firmly': Jaishankar briefs Iran on Operation Sindoor

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar - File Photo

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Thursday met his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi. During the meeting, Jaishankar briefed Araghchi on India’s precision military strikes under Operation Sindoor.

“You are visiting India at a time when we are responding to a particularly barbaric attack... Our response was targeted and measured. It is not our intention to escalate the situation,” Jaishankar told the Iranian delegation, underscoring that India’s actions were aimed specifically at dismantling cross-border terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Punjab province.

“We have no desire for conflict,” Jaishankar said, “but if there are military attacks on us, there should be no doubt that it will be met with a very very firm response. As a neighbour and close partner, it is important that you have a good understanding of the situation.”

My opening remarks at the 20th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting. https://t.co/8olxveKYbz
Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 8, 2025

The remarks come as part of India’s broader diplomatic outreach following the operation, aimed at building regional consensus. Iran, which shares borders and security concerns with both Afghanistan and Pakistan, is seen as a critical regional interlocutor.

Araghchi is on his first visit to India since assuming office in August 2024, to co-chair the 20th Joint Commission Meeting between India and Iran.

After landing in New Delhi, Araghchi called for restraint between India and Pakistan, following the Operation Sindoor carried out by the Indian Armed Forces, targeting terror infrastructure in PoK and Pakistan's Punjab province. The deep missiles were carried out in retaliation to the cowardly terror attack in J&K's Pahalgam, which claimed 26 innocent lives.

"We hope that India and Pakistan will prevent the escalation of tension in the region," Araqchi said, reiterating calls for restraint he made during his visit to Pakistan on Monday.