Jaishankar: Pahalgam Attack Aimed to Derail Kashmir’s Economy

Calling the Pahalgam terror attack an act of economic warfare, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar declared that India will not bow to nuclear threats or tolerate terrorism supported by Pakistan.

Speaking during a public interaction at Newsweek headquarters in New York, Jaishankar said the June 2025 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians, was intended to cripple Kashmir’s tourism-driven economy and ignite communal tensions.

“Tourists were asked to reveal their religion before being killed. This wasn’t just terrorism — it was targeted economic and social disruption,” he said.

The minister is currently in the U.S. and is scheduled to participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Washington DC on July 1. His visit began with the launch of an exhibition titled “The Human Cost of Terrorism” at the United Nations headquarters, organized by India’s Permanent Mission to the UN.

No More “Free Pass” for Terrorists

Referring to Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam attack, Jaishankar asserted that terror groups operating with impunity in Pakistani towns were struck in direct retaliation. He condemned the use of "nuclear blackmail" as a deterrent to India's response.

“If they attack us, we will respond — not just to the proxies but to those who support, fund, and shelter them,” he said.

India blames The Resistance Front (TRF) — a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) proxy — for the Pahalgam attack. Jaishankar emphasized that such attacks will not go unanswered.

India’s Stand Against Global Terrorism

Speaking to a global audience, the minister reiterated India’s call for zero tolerance for terrorism and warned that no country should treat terrorism as a tool of foreign policy, reminding that such actions eventually backfire.

“Terrorism is a global threat. Supporting it for short-term strategic goals is self-destructive,” he warned.

Trump’s Mediation Claims Brushed Aside

During the Q&A, Jaishankar was asked about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that he negotiated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan using trade leverage. Jaishankar dismissed the idea that it influenced bilateral trade talks.

“Our trade teams are professionals. They don’t get distracted by political narratives,” he said.

He also recounted India’s direct communication with U.S. officials during the May 2025 conflict escalation, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained firm despite Pakistan’s threats and led a swift counteroffensive.