New Delhi, May 8 (UNI) Amid Pakistan firing drones and missiles at India and New Delhi hitting back, and unconfirmed reports of more escalation, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday received calls from the US, the EU, the Italian FM, and a personal visit from the Iranian Foreign Minister and the Saudi deputy foreign minister.
In his conversation with the top diplomats, as with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Araghchi, EAM Jaishankar conveyed firmly that while India has been measured in its actions with regard to Operation Sindoor, it will give a very firm response to any escalation from Pakistan.
In his talk with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, EAM Jaishankar said:
“Spoke with US @SecRubio this evening.
“Deeply appreciate US commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism.
“Underlined India’s targeted and measured response to cross-border terrorism.
“Will firmly counter any attempts at escalation.”
In his phone talk with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, EAM conveyed India’s firm resolve to hit back.
“Discussed ongoing developments with EU HRVP @kajakallas .
“India has been measured in its actions. However, any escalation will get a firm response.”
In his talk with the Italian Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, he conveyed the same message:
“Had a telecon with DPM & FM @Antonio_Tajani of Italy.
“Discussed India’s targeted and measured response to firmly counter terrorism. Any escalation will see a strong response.”
In his remarks during his bilateral talks with visiting Iranian FM Seyed Araghchi, the EAM said India’s response was targeted and measured. “It is not our intention to escalate this situation. However, if there are military attacks on us, there should be no doubt that it will be met with a very, very firm response.
“As a neighbour and close partner, it is important that you have a good understanding of this situation.”
The EAM on his meeting with the Saudi Deputy FM Adel Aljubeir said:
“A good meeting with @AdelAljubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia this morning.
“Shared India’s perspectives on firmly countering terrorism.”
Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, briefing the media, said:
“On the night of 7 – 8 May 2025 Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in Northern and Western India using drones and missiles.
“These places included Avantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Nal, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Falaudi, Uttarlai and Bhuj. These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter Unmanned Aerial System and other Air Defense systems.
“The debris of these attacks is now being recovered from a number of locations that proved the Pakistani attacks.
“Today morning, Indian armed forces targeted Air Defence radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan. Indian response has been in the same domain, with the same intensity as Pakistan. It has been reliably learnt that an Air Defence system at Lahore has been neutralised.
“Pakistan has increased the intensity of its unprovoked firing across the Line of Control using mortar and heavy-caliber artillery in areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar and Rajouri sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Sixteen innocent lives have been lost, including three women and five children, due to the Pakistani firing. Here too, India was compelled to respond to bring mortar and artillery fire from Pakistan to a halt. Indian Armed Forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation, provided it is respected by the Pakistan military. “
UNI RN