India's New Normal: Jaishankar's Diplomatic Assertiveness Against Terrorism

In a significant assertion, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar clarified on Monday that trade was not linked to Operation Sindoor in discussions with the United States. He stated unequivocally that between April 22 and June 17, there were no phone calls between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.

Jaishankar highlighted India's diplomatic success post-Pahalgam attack, noting that only three out of 190 UN member countries opposed Operation Sindoor, reflecting global support for India's right to defend itself. This operation marks a 'new normal' in tackling cross-border terrorism, with a five-point approach emphasizing firm responses to terrorism and rejecting nuclear blackmail.

Emphasizing unity within India against terrorism, Jaishankar pointed out key diplomatic actions, including the designation of The Resistance Front (TRF) as a global terror organization by the US. Despite US President Trump's claims of using trade as leverage to achieve a ceasefire, India's official stance is that the understanding with Pakistan was reached through direct negotiations between military leaders.

(With inputs from agencies.)