On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) warned that Pakistan must undertake “credible action” against cross‑border terrorism before the international community believes Islamabad will act on its own assurances. The remark was made during the MEA’s regular bi‑weekly media briefing.
India’s stance on cross‑border terrorism
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was asked how New Delhi viewed recent comments from Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir. Munir had said the Pakistani armed forces were determined to defeat terrorism amid a rising militancy threat. In response, Jaiswal said, “Pakistan needs to demonstrate action and firm commitment. And it must take credible action against cross‑border terrorism before the world believes it would do what it says.”
India’s position follows the Pahalgam attack that took place last year, after which New Delhi has repeatedly insisted that Islamabad should credibly and irrevocably abjure any support for cross‑border terrorism. The MEA’s statement underscores that demand, linking it directly to the need for observable measures rather than verbal assurances.
Pakistan’s military statements and operations
Field Marshal Asim Munir, earlier on the same day, reiterated the armed forces’ resolve to combat terrorism. He visited the Corps Headquarters in Peshawar, where senior officers briefed him on the prevailing security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ongoing counter‑terrorism operations, border‑management measures and the operational readiness of deployed formations, according to the Inter‑Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The Pakistan Army’s official statement said the field marshal emphasized that “the Armed Forces, with the unwavering support of the nation, remain resolute in their determination to defeat terrorism and ensure lasting peace and stability across the country.” He also paid tribute to personnel who had sacrificed their lives in the fight against terrorism.
In addition to the statements from senior military leadership, Pakistan announced on Monday, September 21, 2026, that its security forces had carried out airstrikes on terrorist camps and hideouts in the border region with Afghanistan. The operation reportedly killed 28 terrorists, including multiple suicide bombers.
India, for its part, condemned the airstrikes, describing them as “instances of aggression” against a sovereign neighbour that undermine regional peace and security. Jaiswal made the condemnation during the same bi‑weekly briefing, stressing that such actions “vitiate regional peace and security.”
Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Taliban administration in Kabul to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil, particularly those linked to the banned Tehreek‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it says are used to launch attacks inside Pakistan. The Afghan government, however, denies that its territory is being used for attacks against Pakistan.
Dispute over alleged arbitration ruling
During the briefing, Jaiswal was also asked to comment on Pakistan’s recent claim concerning a ruling by a “Court of Arbitration” linked to the Indus Waters Treaty. Jaiswal dismissed the claim as a misrepresentation, stating that the so‑called ruling was not issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration as Pakistan portrayed it, but rather by an “illegally constituted court.” He added that Pakistan has a habit of “misrepresenting facts and propagating falsehoods to serve its malicious propaganda,” and that India’s position on the matter is clear and has been reiterated multiple times.
The exchange highlighted the broader diplomatic friction between the two neighbours, where legal interpretations of water‑sharing agreements intersect with security concerns and accusations of misinformation.
Overall, the MEA’s message reflects a broader Indian demand for tangible, verifiable steps from Pakistan to curb cross‑border terrorism, coupled with criticism of Pakistan’s recent military actions and its handling of international legal claims. The statements from both sides illustrate the continuing complexity of Indo‑Pakistani relations, where security, diplomatic, and legal dimensions remain tightly interwoven.
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