Jaishankar welcomes European Parliament’s backing

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met leaders of the European Parliament during his visit to Belgium and Luxembourg. He welcomed their support for stronger India-European Union relations. Jaishankar thanked them for understanding India’s right to defend itself from terrorism. He also praised their stand on recent attacks. Earlier that day, he met Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and also met King Philippe of Belgium. Jaishankar held talks with European Commission President Ursula. He appreciated her strong statement against the Pahalgam terror attack and her support in the fight against terrorism. The Pahalgam attack on April 22 killed 26 people. In response, India carried out precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. Tensions between India and Pakistan have since increased.