Colombo: The Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan government for strongly condemning terrorism and for standing in solidarity with the victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in 26 deaths.
In an interview with the Sri Lankan newspaper Daily Mirror, Jha stated that India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, launched in response to the attack, “is not over; it has now become India’s official stance against terrorism.”
He emphasized that as long as Pakistan remains peaceful and takes concrete steps to abandon terrorism against India, there will be no hostilities. He asserted that any violence in the region is solely the responsibility of Pakistan, and any terrorist act will be regarded as an act of war, warranting a strong response.
India conducted Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine key terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Jha explained that while these terrorist hubs were destroyed without harming civilians, Pakistan targeted India’s military, civilian, and religious infrastructure following India’s strikes.
He highlighted that India’s response was measured and proportionate, communicated clearly to Pakistan to avoid escalation. Nevertheless, Pakistan sided with terrorists and attacked Indian military sites the next evening, leading India to retaliate on May 10 by striking Pakistani military installations, damaging 13 airbases. This significant response prompted both nations to seek a ceasefire and suspension of hostilities.
Jha stressed that terrorism is a global issue requiring international cooperation. He noted that during the Easter terror attacks in Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the only world leader to visit and show support for the victims.
He reiterated that Operation Sindoor’s core principle is zero tolerance for terrorism. Recognizing Sri Lanka’s own experiences with terrorism, Jha praised their understanding of the devastation it causes to communities and economies.
He expressed appreciation to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, stating that Sri Lanka’s recent struggles with terrorism show shared understanding. Jha highlighted that Sri Lanka plays a key role in India’s Neighbourhood First policy, with strong relations built on trust and goodwill, including energy projects with Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Regarding the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), Jha criticized Pakistan for its hostile stance towards India, accusing it of consistently supporting terrorism as a state strategy. He characterized Pakistan as a global hub of terrorism, asserting that almost every major terrorist incident over the past three decades bears its involvement or influence.