India has reiterated its firm stance against terrorism and expressed understanding towards actions taken in self-defense by nations. This statement comes in support of Iran’s recent surprise attack in Pakistan, reflecting India’s uncompromising position on terrorism.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs, through an official spokesperson, conveyed this position following Iran’s missile and drone strikes on Tuesday. These strikes targeted alleged bases of an Iranian “terrorist” group on Pakistani soil. India, however, did not comment on the Iranian strikes in Syria and Iraq that occurred the previous day.
Iran’s attack, which resulted in the deaths of two children, has been strongly condemned by Pakistan. Islamabad denounced the strike, recalled its ambassador from Iran, and prevented Tehran’s envoy from returning to Islamabad.
The timing of the attack coincided with a meeting between Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar and Iran’s top diplomat Hossein Amir-Abdollahian at the Davos forum, shortly before the initial strike. The Iranian attack was reportedly a response to recent deadly assaults by the extremist Jaish al-Adl group, particularly in the city of Rask in Iran’s southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan.
In retaliation, Pakistan conducted airstrikes within Iranian territory on Thursday, resulting in at least nine deaths, as per Iranian state media. These strikes targeted separatist Baluch militants, according to Pakistan.
India’s support for Iran in this context highlights the historically friendly ties between the two nations. India has been a vocal proponent for including Iran in the BRICS bloc of countries. India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar recently met with Amir-Abdollahian to discuss threats in the Red Sea, indicating close diplomatic engagements.
The escalation between Iran and Pakistan occurs during a tumultuous period in the Middle East. The region has witnessed heightened tensions, especially since the outbreak of war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7, with Iran-backed groups being actively involved in the conflict.
