No talks with Pakistan until terrorism ends, says Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar

Srinagar , Jun 12: Stating that India will revive the long-stalled Tulbul Navigation Project on the Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said on Thursday that India will not engage in dialogue with Pakistan until terrorism originating from across the border is fully dismantled,.

Addressing a press conference here, marking the completion of 11 years of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre, Khattar emphasised that national security has significantly improved under the current administration, and decisive steps have been taken to curb terrorism and Naxalism.

Responding to a query regarding former US President Donald Trump’s past offer to mediate between India and Pakistan, Khattar firmly rejected the idea of third-party involvement, reiterating that any matters between the two nations are bilateral in nature.

“This has always been our consistent stand. We did not accept third-party mediation in the past, and we will not accept it now. India has made it clear that unless Pakistan ends its support to terrorism, there can be no talks,” Khattar asserted.

Echoing Prime Minister Modi’s firm position, Khattar said, “Talks and terror cannot go together. Trade and terror cannot go together. Blood and water cannot flow together.” He highlighted that India had taken strong action against cross-border terrorism and would continue to do so.

Khattar also underscored the Modi government’s achievements in improving internal security. “The government has taken tough steps to reduce Naxalism and restore peace in several parts of the country. Earlier, over 100 districts were affected by Naxal violence. Today, the number has come down to just six. These will also be freed of Naxal influence soon,” he said.

Discussing the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab—regions historically affected by terrorism—Khattar claimed that the threat had been brought under considerable control. “We took stringent measures against the neighbouring country that supports terrorism. We will not allow terror to grow again. Those who support terror will not be spared. Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s resolve to the world,” he stated. Khattar lauded the people of J&K for their unity in condemning the recent Pahalgam terror attack, calling it a significant development. “I salute the people of Jammu and Kashmir. For the first time, they have come together and spoken in one voice against terrorism,” he said.

In response to criticism from the Congress party regarding the Modi government’s performance, Khattar dismissed the opposition’s allegations. “They have been criticizing us for 11 years but haven’t achieved anything. The people of the country respond to such criticism. We don’t need to,” he remarked.

Among the government’s key achievements, Khattar highlighted the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which he said fully integrated Jammu and Kashmir into the Indian mainstream. He also pointed to strides made in empowering farmers, women, and the economically weaker sections. “Ending Triple Talaq and reserving 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha were historic decisions,” he said. On strategic infrastructure projects, Khattar revealed that India will revive the long-stalled Tulbul Navigation Project on the Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir. “The project was first conceived in 1981 but was shelved due to lack of consent from Pakistan under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). Now that the Centre has suspended the treaty following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, there is no need for Pakistan’s approval,” he said.

He confirmed that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Tulbul will be prepared soon. “Previously, any development under the IWT required consultations with Pakistan. But now, with the treaty in abeyance, India is free to move forward,” Khattar said. The minister also indicated that India will undertake new hydro-electric projects in the region without seeking Pakistan’s concurrence. “Yes, definitely. We will move ahead. Whatever they do, we are prepared. We have given them a response already, and if they act again, they will get a response in the same manner,” he said in a clear warning to Islamabad. The press conference served as both a defence of the Modi government’s record and a firm message on India’s national security and foreign policy posture in a region marked by longstanding tensions.