India today said it gave a befitting reply to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor for its sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. Briefing media in New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stressed that cross-border terrorism has long been used by Pakistan as an instrument of state policy. He said that India has every right to defend itself against terrorism and will continue to work to strengthen the global fight against terrorism.

Responding to a query on the repatriation of illegal Bangladeshis, Mr Jaiswal said that more than two thousand 860 cases of nationality verification are pending with Bangladesh. He said that any foreign national staying illegally in the country must be repatriated as per the country’s laws, procedures, and established bilateral mechanisms and arrangements.

On Khalistani groups in Canada, the spokesperson said that India has consistently spoken out about concerns regarding the use of Canadian territory as a safe haven by extremist and separatist elements. Mr Jaiswal said that India has repeatedly urged the Canadian government to take effective action against anti-India extremist elements operating from its soil. He said this includes addressing the issue of glorification of violence, threats against Indian leaders and diplomats, vandalism of places of worship, and attempts to promote secessionism through so-called “referendums”.

Replying to a query on the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, CSIS, accusing India of foreign interference in Canada, Mr Jaiswal said India categorically rejects such baseless imputations. He stated that India’s position on this particular issue has been clear and consistent, and India is a democracy that adheres to international norms and respects the sovereignty of other nations. He added that it is not New Delhi’s policy to interfere in the issues of other countries. He expressed belief that any concerns of this nature should be addressed through established mechanisms rather than through politicised or public narratives.

Replying to another query, the spokesperson said the Indus Waters Treaty is consistent, and the treaty remains in abeyance in response to Pakistan’s continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. He said Pakistan must credibly and irrevocably abjure its support for cross-border terrorism.

On the Teesta project, the spokesperson said India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers. He said both nations have structured bilateral mechanisms to discuss all water-related issues, and these mechanisms continue to meet at regular intervals.