New Delhi, May 8 — India has placed the onus of de-escalation on Pakistan, stating that it merely responded to Islamabad’s provocation following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Thursday.
Speaking at a media briefing, Misri noted, “Our approach is not to escalate the situation; we only responded to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.” The attack claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, and was claimed by ‘The Resistance Force’ (TRF), a group linked to cross-border militancy.
“The escalation started from that side,” Misri said, reiterating that India’s response — Operation Sindoor — was a targeted counterstrike. “Choice is with Pakistan,” he added when asked about the possibility of de-escalation.
Misri also pointed out that Pakistan opposed any reference to TRF in the United Nations Security Council, despite the group claiming responsibility. “At the UNSC meeting, Pakistan opposed mention of the role of TRF when it had already claimed responsibility,” he mentioned.
The Foreign Secretary condemned Pakistan’s retaliatory actions, stating they were affecting civilians along the Line of Control. “Pakistan’s reputation as the centre of global terrorism is rooted in various terrorist attacks across the globe,” Misri said, flanked by Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofia Qureshi. He further noted that Pakistan has been “pursuing cross-border terrorism against India for decades.”
India launched missile strikes early Wednesday on terror infrastructure, including targets in Bahawalpur, known as a stronghold of the Jaish-e-Mohammad group. Misri said India’s actions were “restrained” and focused solely on terror bases.
Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry said Pakistan attempted to retaliate by targeting multiple Indian locations last night — including Awantipura, Jammu, Srinagar, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Bhuj — but all attempts were foiled. The Ministry noted that India destroyed a Pakistani air defence system in Lahore during the exchange.
Misri also mentioned Pakistan’s repeated obstruction of progress on the Indus Waters Treaty issue, adding to the list of bilateral tensions.
