New Delhi – India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a special press briefing on Operation Sindoor, stated that the military action carried out by India on May 7 was a direct response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. He described the attack as the origin of the current regional escalation.
He emphasized that India’s response was strictly directed at terrorist infrastructure, carried out with precision and restraint, and did not target any civilian or military structures. “We are not provoking escalation. This was a measured and responsible response,” said the Foreign Secretary.
Misri rejected Pakistan’s claims of civilian casualties and dismissed the widespread disinformation being spread from across the border. “If the deceased were truly civilians, why were their coffins draped in Pakistan’s national flag? They were terrorists, not civilians,” he questioned.
He also dismissed Pakistan’s proposal for a joint investigation as a delaying tactic. Referring to past experiences, including the Mumbai (2008) and Pathankot (2016) attacks, Misri recalled that India had shared ample evidence with Pakistan, yet no meaningful action was taken. “Our experience shows that Pakistan uses the evidence we provide to shield terrorists and cover up their tracks,” he remarked.
Responding to Pakistan’s claim that India had targeted the Neelum–Jhelum hydroelectric project, the Foreign Secretary called the allegation “completely false and baseless.” He warned, “If Pakistan uses such fabricated claims as a pretext to attack Indian infrastructure, it will be fully responsible for the consequences.”
On the Indus Waters Treaty, Misri said India had exercised decades of restraint in upholding the agreement despite repeated provocations, wars, and terrorist attacks. “The treaty was founded on goodwill and friendship, which Pakistan’s actions have undermined. We have now decided to suspend the treaty temporarily until Pakistan fully abandons cross-border terrorism,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Misri urged everyone to remain calm and responsible, noting that the situation is still evolving. He added that operational military details could not be disclosed at this stage due to national security concerns.
