Pahalgam Attack Meant To Create Fear Psychosis, Sow Religious Discord: Jaishankar

Last Updated:May 24, 2025, 08:32 IST

EAM S Jaishankar said that the terrorist attack was part of a pattern targeting not only Jammu and Kashmir but also other parts of India.

EAM S Jaishankar during an interaction at the German Council on Foreign Relations | Image/X

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday that the Pahalgam terror attack was orchestrated to instil fear, undermine Kashmir’s tourism economy, and fuel religious discord.

Addressing the German Council on Foreign Relations, the EAM reflected on the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam and India’s subsequent strong retaliatory action under ‘Operation Sindoor’.

“This was meant to create a fear psychosis, destroy the tourism economy of Kashmir and sow religious discord," Jaishankar said, specifying the strategic intent behind the assault.

Jaishankar said that the terrorist attack was part of a pattern targeting not only Jammu and Kashmir but also other parts of India.

“What we were responding to was terrorism…and when we responded there was a lot of international understanding…we targeted terrorist headquarters and terror sites," he added.

‘Pak Used Terror As Tool’

While emphasising India’s unwavering stand against terrorism, Jaishnkar blasted Pakistan for using terrorism as a tool for many years.

“Our campaign is against terrorism, and in this case, terrorists happen to be located in the country next door because that country, for many years, has used terrorism as a tool."

Jaishankar reiterated India’s right to self-defence and highlighted the increasing international backing for the country’s counterterrorism efforts.

“When it comes to terrorism, today, there is virtually no country which would say they approve of what was done and won’t condemn it. If I say I have the right to defend myself, and my people, much of the world will agree with me. Germany does," he said.

Germany on Friday condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and affirmed India’s right to defend itself against cross-border terrorism.

German Foreign and Finance Minister Johann Wadephul denounced the “heinous terrorist attacks in Pahalgam" in the strongest terms in his meeting with S Jaishankar.

“We are encouraged by the very early condemnation of the terrorist attack, as well as the clear message we got on May 7th and again today from Minister Wadephul that Germany recognises India’s right to defend itself," Jaishankar added.

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