On the 25th, a high-level Indian parliamentary delegation visiting South Korea expressed a strong stance that it would no longer tolerate Pakistan's acts of terrorism. They emphasized, "When an attack occurs, we will make it clear that our posture is the 'new normal' of responding quickly and decisively," stating, "Dialogue and terrorism cannot coexist."

The bipartisan high-level delegation from the Indian Parliament holds a meeting at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on 26th. /Courtesy of Hyun Jeong-min.

On the 26th, the Indian parliamentary delegation, led by Director General Sanjay Kumar Jha, met with reporters at The Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, condemning Pakistan's acts of terrorism and requesting support from South Korea. The delegation urged, "India will never use nuclear weapons preemptively," while also calling for South Korea to join India's efforts to eradicate terrorism from Pakistan.

This visit to South Korea was made to share the background and significance of India's 'Sindoor Operation', executed in response to the terrorism that occurred in the Indian-administered Kashmir region's Pahalgam in April. India formed seven delegations to tour 33 countries across Asia and Europe, making South Korea the second country visited after Japan. The delegation had previously met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Tae-young, First Vice Minister Kim Hong-kyun, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Yun Young-kwan.

Member of Parliament Sanjay Kumar Jha explained the situation during the Pahalgam terrorist attack and pointed out Pakistan's responsibility. He stated, "On April 22, a civilian of Indian nationality was killed in an indiscriminate attack in front of his wife and children," adding, "We waited for two weeks for Pakistan's response, but there was no reaction." He continued, "In response, India precisely targeted nine terrorist bases in Pakistan, clearly conveying our message without civilian casualties."

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Salman Khurshid also clarified India's position that there would be no leniency. Khurshid stated, "Pakistan has repeatedly betrayed India and continued its acts of terrorism," and added, "India will now respond under the principle that 'dialogue and terrorism cannot coexist'. Dialogue cannot occur until Pakistan stops its acts of terrorism." He also noted, "Both the ruling and opposition parties have formed a bipartisan consensus on this issue," explaining the background of forming this delegation with nine members from five parties.

Former Indian Ambassador Mohan Kumar highlighted South Korea's role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing its importance in the international community. He remarked, "South Korea holds a pivotal position in Asia and has influence in the Security Council," expressing hope that South Korea, as India's major partner, would take strong measures against Pakistan on international platforms such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Regarding the possibility of nuclear weapon use, the Indian delegation reaffirmed its existing position that 'there will be no preemptive use.' Kumar emphasized, "India only used conventional weapons in recent operations," and stated, "There will never be a preemptive use of nuclear weapons." However, he suggested that "if Pakistan launches a nuclear attack first, both countries could lead to destruction."

Meanwhile, after completing their two-day schedule in South Korea, the Indian delegation is set to continue their tour to Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and then to the UAE, the United States, and Europe. Pakistan has also dispatched its own delegation to various countries to steer international public opinion in its favor.