In a strong diplomatic show of support, Germany on Friday condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed India’s sovereign right to defend itself against cross-border terrorism. The condemnation came during a bilateral meeting between German Foreign and Finance Minister Johann Wadephul and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who is currently visiting Germany as part of his three-nation Europe tour.
Minister Wadephul described the terror attack in Pahalgam as “heinous” and extended Germany’s unequivocal support to India’s counter-terrorism efforts. The German minister also underscored Berlin’s consistent stance that all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan must be resolved bilaterally, without third-party mediation—a position that aligns with New Delhi’s long-held diplomatic policy.
This clear expression of solidarity comes amid renewed international focus on South Asia, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed to have played a role in mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor.
However, Indian authorities have repeatedly refuted any claims of foreign mediation. Government sources have stated that the cessation of hostilities was achieved through direct, high-level military dialogue between the two nations, prompted by Islamabad’s request for a ceasefire, and not due to any external diplomatic intervention.
Addressing the media during a joint press conference with Jaishankar, Minister Wadephul revealed that he had been in close communication with his French counterpart to understand the details and implications of the Pahalgam terror attack. “We strongly condemn these heinous acts of terror and stand in full solidarity with India,” Wadephul said.
Echoing this sentiment, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s uncompromising stance on terrorism. “I came to Berlin in the immediate aftermath of India responding to the Pahalgam terror attack. Let me share with you what I conveyed to Mr. Wadephul in that context: India has zero tolerance for terrorism. India will never give in to nuclear blackmail,” Jaishankar asserted.
Rebuffing any ambiguity regarding the scope of future dialogue with Pakistan, Jaishankar reaffirmed that any talks, if they occur, will pertain solely to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), a region which India asserts is illegally occupied and used as a launchpad for terrorism. “India will deal with Pakistan purely bilaterally,” Jaishankar emphasised, adding that “there should be no confusion in any quarter” on this matter.
The latest diplomatic exchange between Berlin and New Delhi signals a strengthening of India’s strategic partnerships within Europe, particularly on matters of security, counter-terrorism, and regional stability.
Jaishankar’s European tour is expected to further consolidate India’s position on the global stage as a responsible power confronting terrorism with resilience and clarity.
