In a significant expression of solidarity, the European Union on Tuesday backed India’s right to defend its citizens in the wake of the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives.
During the inaugural EU-India Strategic Dialogue in Brussels, EU Foreign and Security Policy Chief Kaja Kallas issued a strong statement condemning the attack and reiterating Europe's support for India's right to protect its people in line with international law.
“I want to reiterate EU’s strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. Those responsible must be held accountable. India has the right to protect its citizens in accordance with the international law,” Kallas said during her address.
She also recalled her discussions with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in the immediate aftermath of the attack. “Minister Jaishankar, you and I were in close contact after the attacks. I regret the tragic loss of lives in India and Pakistan,” she added.
Kallas also urged both India and Pakistan to engage in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. “EU supports continued talks between India and Pakistan to reduce tensions,” she said. “No one stands to gain from renewed conflicts in the region,” she added.
The remarks come amid increased global scrutiny of Pakistan’s role in harbouring terror groups and India’s subsequent military and diplomatic responses. The EU’s stance signals a broader shift in international opinion toward recognising India’s security concerns and its right to act in self-defence.
Jaishankar said he had exchanged views on the global order with the EU High Representative and will be discussing the situation in Europe, including a deeper exchange on the Ukraine conflict, West Asia, the Indian subcontinent and the Indo-Pacific, among others in further discussions.
"I am confident that this will be useful and productive. Stabilising and de-risking the international economy is today a strategic priority for us. This has many dimensions, including building more resilient and reliable supply chains as well as increasing trust and transparency in digital interactions, creating stronger economic and technology partnerships between major players, we believe, has acquired even greater value. “It is with that perspective that we support the goal of concluding an ambitious and balanced India-EU-FTA by the end of the year. We also see great benefit in holding an early meeting of the Trade and Technology Council.” The issue of counterterrorism also dominated the agenda, with Kallas dubbing "nuclear threats" as an area of mutual concern for India and the EU.
Jaishankar told reporters: “India strongly believes that there must be zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
“In that context, it is also essential that we never yield to nuclear blackmail. This is a shared and interconnected challenge for the global community and it is imperative that there is strong international cooperation and understanding on the matter.” During his week-long tour of Europe, Jaishankar will also hold talks with leaders of France to boost bilateral ties and reaffirm India's policy of zero-tolerance against terrorism.
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