India Reiterates Zero Tolerance on Terrorism in Talks with UK

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar firmly stated that India will not equate “perpetrators of evil” with victims of terrorism during talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Emphasizing India’s policy of zero tolerance against terrorism, Jaishankar’s comments came amid concerns over global attempts to draw false equivalence between India and Pakistan, especially following their recent military clashes.

Lammy, on his first India visit as Foreign Secretary, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised UK’s support in India’s fight against cross-border terrorism and welcomed progress in the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, particularly the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement and Double Taxation Convention. Modi also extended an invitation to UK PM Keir Starmer to visit India.

The two ministers discussed strengthening cooperation in areas including trade, defense, technology, climate, education, and migration. Jaishankar highlighted initiatives like the Technology Security Initiative and Strategic Exports Dialogue, aimed at boosting collaboration in critical sectors like AI, semiconductors, health-tech, and advanced materials. He also pointed to growing educational and cultural ties, including new UK consulates in Manchester and Belfast.

Lammy described the evolving partnership with India as key to a new global era, highlighting mutual goals like securing supply chains, combating climate change, and enhancing migration cooperation. He reiterated UK’s commitment to border security while promoting investments, noting India’s status as the UK’s second-largest source of new projects in 2023–24.

Jaishankar also addressed India's concerns about cross-border terrorism and expected the UK to remain sensitive to these threats. The visit reaffirmed mutual trust and the intent to deepen ties across strategic sectors, with Lammy calling the new agreements a launching point for even greater collaboration.