The spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, in response to recent Iranian air strikes in Pakistan, sought to distance India from the ongoing dispute between the two nations. Emphasizing the Indian government's unwavering stance against terrorism, the official acknowledged a nation's right to act in self-defense.
The statement gained significance as Iran conducted missile attacks on Pakistan, citing incursions by the militant group Jaish ul-Adl in Balochistan, a troubled region in Pakistan. In a media briefing, Randhir Jaiswal, addressing queries on the matter, stated, "This is a matter between Iran and Pakistan. Insofar as India is concerned, we have an uncompromising position of zero tolerance towards terrorism. We understand actions that countries take in self-defense."
The MEA spokesperson's remarks came after a member of Iran's Revolutionary Guards was fatally shot in the country's southeastern province bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan. This incident followed Iranian strikes on two bases of Jaish ul-Adl in Balochistan.
State-run Iranian media initially reported "precision missile and drone strikes" against Jaish al-Adl, claiming it as retaliation for attacks on Iranian territory. However, Pakistan rejected this explanation, condemning the airstrikes and warning of potential retaliation. Pakistan confirmed the attack, reporting casualties, and deemed it an "unprovoked violation of its airspace" by Iran.
Jaish ul-Adl, known for previous attacks on Iranian security forces in the border region with Pakistan, has been a source of tension between the two nations. In response to the air strike, Pakistan recalled its ambassador from Iran and suspended high-level visits, marking a heightened diplomatic strain between the neighboring countries.
