“We Achieved Our Goals”: Jaishankar Warns Pakistan, Suspends Indus Waters Treaty Post Operation Sindoor

New Delhi: In his first press briefing since the conclusion of Operation Sindoor, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar issued a stern warning to Pakistan, confirming India’s decisive military success and announcing significant diplomatic measures, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

Speaking to reporters following the inauguration of the Honduras embassy in New Delhi, Dr Jaishankar emphasized that India had achieved its strategic targets during the operation. “We achieved the goals which we set out to do by destroying the terrorist infrastructure. Since key goals were achieved, I think we reasonably took the position… even at the start of the operation, we had sent a message to Pakistan saying we are striking at terrorist infrastructure and not military and the military has an option to stand out and not interfere,” he said.

He added that Pakistan ignored the cautionary message. “They chose not to take that good advice. Once they got badly hit on the morning of 10th May… the satellite pictures show how much damage we did and what little damage they did. It is clear who wanted cessation of firing,” Jaishankar noted, indicating that the ceasefire was not a sign of restraint from Pakistan, but rather a consequence of India’s overwhelming retaliation.

In a major policy move, the minister declared the suspension of the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty, citing Pakistan’s continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. “The Indus Waters Treaty is held in abeyance and will continue to be held in abeyance until the cross-border terrorism by Pakistan is credibly and irrevocably stopped,” he announced.

On the sensitive Kashmir issue, Jaishankar reiterated India’s long-held stance. “The only thing which remains to be discussed on Kashmir is the vacating of illegally occupied Indian territory in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir; we are open to that discussion,” he stated, dismissing any other external claims over the region.

When asked about the status of India-US trade negotiations, Dr Jaishankar urged patience. “Between India and the US, trade talks have been going on. These are complicated negotiations. Nothing is decided till everything is. Any trade deal has to be mutually beneficial… Until that is done, any judgment on it would be premature,” he said.