Lok Sabha Question No. 3514 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-07
Subject: Diplomatic Steps after Surgical Strike
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: DARSHANA VIKRAM JARDOSH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3514 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.12.2016

## DIPLOMATIC STEPS AFTER SURGICAL STRIKE

† 3514. SHRIMATI DARSHANA VIKRAM JARDOSH:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  diplomatic  steps  taken  by  the  Government after surgical strike on Pakistan;
- (b) the  names  of  the  countries  which  have  supported  India's move; and
- (c) the countries which have opposed the move?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) to (c) On September 29, 2016, this Ministry arranged a briefing of  28  envoys  belonging  to  the  Afghanistan,  Australia,  Bangladesh, Bhutan,  Brazil,  China,  Egypt,  France,  Germany,  Indonesia,  Iran, Japan,  Maldives,  Malaysia,  Mexico,  Nepal,  New  Zealand,  Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the  US,  the  UK,  Vietnam,  and  the  EU  about  the  limited  counterterrorism operation carried out by the Indian Army earlier in the day. Separately, important opinion makers, think tanks and foreign media corps in New Delhi were also briefed by the Foreign Secretary on the same  day.  In  parallel,  instructions  were  issued  to  our  Missions across  the  world  to  brief  their  host  governments  on  the  issue  at senior  levels.  Envoys  of  other  countries  from  Europe,  Africa,  Gulf, Latin  America,  East  Asia  &  Organisation  of  Islamic  Cooperation (OIC) have also been briefed by senior officials in MEA.

The Government has kept the international community aware of the nature of counter terror operations of September 29, 2016 and sensitized  them  about  the  extent  and  intensity  of  the  persistent threat of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Pursuant to  our  active  outreach  efforts,  several  important  countries  issued statements supporting India's decisive action against terrorism and also  specifically  mentioned  that  Pakistan  should  take  effective steps  to  stop  the  activities  of  terrorist  groups  in  its  territories. Further,  the  Governments  of  Afghanistan,  Bangladesh,  Bahrain, Canada,  China,  France,  Germany,  Japan,  Korea  (ROK),  Maldives, Nepal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, the UK, and the US  in  addition  to  the  UN  have  all  issued  statements  on  the  Uri terrorist act.

At  the  regional  level  also,  there  appears  a  shared  concern about  the  implications  of  terrorism  in  the  region.  The  common stance adopted by SAARC members in informing SAARC Chair Nepal in  writing  about  the  non-conducive  environment  for  hosting  of SAARC Summit in Islamabad on 9-10 November is significant.  The diplomatic isolation of Pakistan was visible in that context.

India  has  also  made  it  clear  that  Pakistan  must  give  up  the policy  of  state  sponsored  cross-border  terrorism.  The  continuing support  terrorist  organizations  and  outfits  are  receiving  in  that country  has  made  Pakistan  a  major  source  of  instability  in  the region. As Government has emphasized, terrorism remains our core concern regarding Pakistan and we will take all appropriate steps to ensure national security.

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