Germany has firmly backed India’s right to defend itself against terrorism in the wake of the deadly April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead. In a strongly worded statement, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the Indian people.
“We were appalled by the brutal terrorist attack on India on the 22nd of April,” Wadephul said. “After military attacks on both sides, India, of course, has every right to defend itself against terrorism. The fact that the truce is now in place is something we appreciate very much.”
Germany-India Counter-Terrorism Cooperation to Deepen
The German foreign minister underlined Berlin’s ongoing dialogue with New Delhi on counter-terrorism, adding that both countries intend to intensify cooperation on intelligence sharing and security strategies. “India and Germany have maintained a regular counter-terrorism dialogue. We are committed to strengthening it further,” Wadephul added.
Germany’s expression of support comes amid heightened diplomatic activity by India following the Pahalgam terror attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier stated that India will now treat any act of cross-border terrorism as an act of war, signalling a significant shift in national security policy. The April 22 attack, claimed by Pakistan-backed militants, triggered limited military engagements along the Line of Control, though both sides have since returned to a state of ceasefire.
Jaishankar: “India Will Never Give In to Nuclear Blackmail”
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, currently on a three-nation tour of Europe, welcomed Germany’s support and reiterated India’s firm stance on terrorism during a joint press briefing in Berlin.
“India has zero tolerance for terrorism. We also value Germany’s understanding that every nation has the right to defend itself. India will never give in to nuclear blackmail,” Jaishankar said.
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The minister also reaffirmed New Delhi’s position that any engagement with Pakistan will happen strictly through bilateral means. “There should be no confusion in any quarter in that regard,” he stated, dismissing third-party mediation or multilateral forums as potential avenues for India-Pakistan dialogue.
India’s diplomatic outreach post-Pahalgam has aimed to build international consensus around New Delhi’s right to self-defence, particularly in the face of what it describes as state-sponsored terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Several other countries, including France and Australia, have also issued statements of solidarity with India.
The Modi government has introduced a new doctrine of deterrence by defining a “new normal,” in which any future cross-border terror strikes will provoke immediate and proportionate response, both militarily and diplomatically.
Path Forward: Truce and Talks?
While Germany has expressed appreciation for the ceasefire currently in place, both Berlin and New Delhi have agreed on the importance of a long-term framework for conflict resolution and regional stability.
“Stability in South Asia is in the interest of the global community. We encourage both countries to maintain dialogue and prevent escalation,” Minister Wadephul said.
India, however, maintains that dialogue will only resume once Pakistan demonstrates verifiable action against terror networks operating from its soil.
