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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has delivered a clear message of India's unwavering stance against terrorism, drawing a stark contrast between the country's response to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and its future actions. Speaking in Mumbai, Jaishankar emphasized that the lack of response to the 26/11 attacks will not be repeated, underlining India's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. He asserted that any future attacks will be met with swift and decisive retaliation, emphasizing that India will not accept terrorism coexisting with normalcy. Jaishankar's comments come amidst ongoing efforts to resolve the border standoff with China. The minister revealed that India and China will soon resume patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, a significant step towards restoring the pre-standoff arrangement. This agreement marks a breakthrough in the protracted negotiations between the two countries, a development achieved after four years of strained relations following the 2020 border tensions. However, the EAM clarified that the disengagement agreement does not signal a complete resolution of all issues between India and China. He stressed that the disengagement process, which constitutes the first phase, merely allows for the consideration of the next steps in the relationship. Jaishankar attributed the breakthrough to the concerted efforts of both the military and diplomatic teams. He highlighted the sacrifices made by the military personnel deployed at the LAC under challenging conditions, underscoring the importance of their role in securing India's interests. The minister also acknowledged the role of diplomacy in reaching the agreement. The minister highlighted India's significant investments in strengthening its border infrastructure, which played a crucial role in bolstering its position during the standoff. He pointed out that India's annual investment in border infrastructure has increased fivefold compared to a decade ago, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding national security. This infrastructure upgrade has enabled India to effectively deploy its military forces along the LAC, demonstrating the government's strategic focus on border security. While the agreement on LAC patrolling is a positive development, the EAM emphasized that the larger issue of border management and boundary settlement remains unresolved. Jaishankar's pronouncements highlight India's evolving approach to national security, underscoring its determination to respond decisively to terrorism while concurrently pursuing a path towards normalization with China. The EAM's statements emphasize India's resolve to protect its interests while also signaling a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with its neighbors.
Source: 'This India Will Not...': EAM Recalls 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks, Says Country Standing Strong