'No Nuclear Signalling': Foreign Secy Misi Briefs MPs, Says Pakistan A ‘Sanctuary’ For UN-Designated Terrorists

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday briefed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs on the recent India-Pakistan military tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, reiterating that the conflict remained strictly conventional and saw no nuclear signalling from Pakistan, according to sources.

The high-level meeting, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, witnessed the participation of 24 members—described by Tharoor as a record attendance for the committee. Members included TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee, Congress’ Rajeev Shukla and Deepender Hooda, AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi, and BJP’s Aparajita Sarangi and Arun Govil.

Sources said Foreign Secretary Misri responded to a wide range of questions from members, including concerns about possible damage to Indian aircraft—information officials declined to share citing operational confidentiality. When asked about claims by US President Donald Trump regarding his administration’s role in halting the conflict, the government clarified, “This was a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan, and the ceasefire decision was taken accordingly.”

On the possibility of nuclear threats or attacks from Pakistan, Misri was quoted as saying there was no such indication. “It was entirely a conventional conflict,” he said. He also addressed questions regarding the use of Chinese platforms by Pakistan, stating, “It does not matter what they used—India gave a befitting response to their military bases.”

Responding to queries about External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s earlier remarks, sources said Misri clarified that the Minister’s comments were misunderstood and pertained to the initial phase of Operation Sindoor, particularly the night of 6–7 May, when nine terror targets were hit and Pakistan was duly informed.

According to sources cited by news agency PTI, Misri highlighted Pakistan's track record as a terror sanctuary, being well established and rooted in solid facts and evidence. "No other country has any locus-standi to comment on issues of J-K," the sources stated.

"Nexus evident among terrorists, military intel agency, and civilian administration of Pakistan," the PTI sources reported the briefing as stressing. It was mentioned that UN-designated terrorists roam freely in Pakistan, continuing to incite violence against India.

‘We All Stand With Him’: Tharoor Backs Misri After Troll Attack Over India-Pakistan Briefing

Following the meeting, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described the session as “comprehensive and rich.” According to news agency ANI, he said, “A meeting that normally would have finished by 6 o’clock, has gone on till 7 o’clock. It was a very thorough, wide-ranging discussion. Many of the MPs had thoughtful questions to ask.”

Tharoor added, “There was even a desire to have a resolution expressing solidarity with the Foreign Secretary in the face of the unwarranted attacks or comments. He himself requested that there should be no resolution, but it was a unanimous sentiment of the committee that he has performed good service for the nation. We all stand with him. That was not a formal resolution but definitely the wish of everyone.”

He reiterated, “There is no particular resolution that was passed… but we convey it to you on behalf of all the members, a strong sense of support and solidarity for the Foreign Secretary.”

Abhishek Banerjee Backs Govt On Terror Fight, Slams ‘Unilateral’ MP Selection For Delegation

TMC National General Secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee, while assuring full support to the Centre on matters of national interest, raised concerns over the proposed all-party delegation being sent abroad to highlight India’s position on terrorism. “Our party, TMC, will stand shoulder to shoulder with the central government when it comes to fighting and combating terrorism, protecting sovereignty and national interests,” he said, as per ANI.

However, Banerjee criticised the alleged unilateral approach by the government in selecting MPs for the delegation. “The Centre cannot unilaterally decide who will go from which party. They have to ask for names… No one has been contacted. I am the general secretary of the party,” he stated.

He further suggested that instead of MPs, the delegation should include “family members of martyrs and victims’ families and survivors” as well as “brave armed forces officers who led Operation Sindoor.” Banerjee said, “This is not the time to do politics. Politics can take a backseat.”

Calling for global unity against terrorism, he added, “I believe that the whole world should know how Pakistan has helped terrorism in the last 5–6 decades and the world needs to come together and fight it collectively. But who will go from my party will not be decided by the BJP. The party will decide.”

Foreign Secretary Misri is expected to continue briefing the panel on India-Pakistan relations on Tuesday as well.

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