NEW DELHI: India is practising a policy of "zero tolerance" against terrorism, and it will never countenance perpetrators of evil being put on par with its victims, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday during wide-ranging talks with his British counterpart David Lammy.
The remarks came amid unease in New Delhi over several countries hyphenating India and Pakistan following their four-day clashes last month.
Lammy arrived in New Delhi this morning on a two-day visit to review various aspects of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
In his televised opening remarks, Jaishankar also thanked the UK for its strong condemnation of the "barbaric" Pahalgam terror attack and London's support to New Delhi's fight against terrorism.
"We practice a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and expect our partners to understand it. We will never countenance perpetrators of evil being put at par with their victims," he said.
Jaishankar also described the recently finalised India-UK free trade deal and the double contribution convention as "truly a milestone", with the potential to significantly boost trade, investment, and broader strategic ties.
A British readout highlighted the importance of strengthening economic links and migration cooperation. Lammy stated that India remains a key partner in the UK’s “Plan for Change,” noting that bilateral trade now exceeds 25 billion Euros annually. “The signing of the free trade agreement is just the start of our ambitions. We’re building a modern partnership for a new global era," he said.
Jaishankar outlined a number of recent initiatives to deepen the India-UK relationship, including the Technology Security Initiative (TSI), which will enhance cooperation in critical sectors like AI, semiconductors, and health tech. He also cited progress in strategic exports dialogue, infrastructure financing, and educational exchanges. He also mentioned the opening of new Indian consulates in Manchester and Belfast as part of efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties.
The UK was among the countries that were in touch with both India and Pakistan in an attempt to de-escalate their tensions during their military conflict last month.
Lammy paid a two-day visit to Islamabad from May 16, during which he welcomed the May 10 understanding between India and Pakistan to stop the military actions.