Germany Backs India’s Right to Self-Defence Against Terrorism: Jaishankar

Berlin: India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reaffirmed the country’s firm stance on counterterrorism, highlighting strong international support, particularly from Germany, for India’s recent response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
Speaking at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) during his visit to Berlin, Jaishankar emphasized that the global community, including Germany, recognises India’s right to self-defence.
“When it comes to terrorism, there is virtually no country today that would not condemn such an attack. Germany has stood firmly with us,” said Jaishankar. “We were encouraged by the early condemnation of the terror attack and by Minister Wadephul’s reaffirmation that Germany recognises India’s right to defend itself.”
Referring to the April terror attack in Pahalgam, Jaishankar said it was not an isolated event but part of a larger pattern intended to incite fear, disrupt Kashmir’s tourism, and sow religious discord. He reiterated that India’s military response—Operation Sindoor—targeted terrorist infrastructure, not civilians, and was met with “a lot of international understanding.”
“Terrorists happened to be located in the country next door, which for many years has used terrorism as an instrument of policy,” he added, indirectly referencing Pakistan.
Deepening India-Germany Strategic Ties
Jaishankar’s visit also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. In his address at the DGAP’s Centre for Geopolitics, Geoeconomics and Technology, he spoke about the need to build on this milestone and shape the next 25 years of cooperation.
Highlighting global challenges such as climate change, technological disruptions, pandemics, and geopolitical instability, the minister noted that India and Germany—along with the EU—must work closely together to address these threats.
Key Areas of Collaboration
Jaishankar outlined four key areas to upgrade India-Germany relations:
Defence and Security:
He noted a historical pattern of intermittent defence ties, but said both countries now recognise mutual benefits in deeper cooperation. This includes joint exercises, naval visits, export licensing reforms, and potential collaboration on defence technology.
Talent and Mobility:
With India’s favourable demographic trends, Jaishankar said the country is well-positioned to help meet global workforce demands. He proposed stronger frameworks to enable talent flow between India and Germany.
Technology and AI:
He emphasized cooperation in digital innovation, AI, and cutting-edge technologies as vital to future-proof both economies.
Sustainability and Green Growth:
Calling green growth a shared priority, Jaishankar expressed optimism that an India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would support increased trade and sustainable development.
“This is a crucial time to reassess and redefine our strategic goals. The global picture is challenging, but India and Germany—together—can be resilient partners in shaping a secure and sustainable future,” Jaishankar concluded.
His remarks reflect both a resolute Indian position on terrorism and a forward-looking agenda for India-Germany relations amid evolving global dynamics.
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