Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, has expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan government for strongly condemning terrorism and standing in solidarity with India following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

In an interview with Daily Mirror, Jha highlighted that Operation Sindoor, launched by India in response to the attack, is now a standing national policy against terrorism. “It is not over. As long as Pakistan takes no concrete steps to end terrorism against India, the responsibility for any regional hostilities lies with them,” he said.

He confirmed that Indian forces destroyed nine high-value terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK during the operation, taking care to avoid civilian harm. However, Pakistan retaliated by targeting Indian military and civilian infrastructure, prompting further measured responses from India.

“Our actions were proportionate and non-escalatory,” Jha said, adding that India later responded by hitting 13 Pakistani airbases on May 10. This forced Pakistan to seek de-escalation.

He acknowledged Sri Lanka’s own experience with terrorism and praised its principled stance. “Sri Lanka understands the deep pain and societal harm caused by terrorism,” he said, while thanking President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for his support.

Jha also reiterated India’s commitment to regional cooperation, noting that Sri Lanka is a central part of the Neighbourhood First policy and energy connectivity projects are underway with other nations like Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

On Pakistan, Jha cited the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty as part of India’s broader response to Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism. “Pakistan has been globally identified as a hub for terrorism,” he added.