Jaishankar to embark on 3-nation tour today

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will embark on a six-day visit to the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany, starting Monday, during which he is expected to highlight Pakistan’s relentless support for cross-border terrorism.

Official sources pointed to the importance of Jaishankar's choice of the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany as the first set of countries for outreach after Operation Sindoor.

A visit to The Netherlands is significant as the country hosts the ICJ (International Court of Justice) and ICC (International Criminal Court). Jaishankar could take the occasion to reiterate India's commitment to international legal norms while detailing the national stand behind suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan has threatened India with legal action on the issue.

Germany is important as the country is the leading EU economy and India is engaged with the EU on a bilateral trade agreement.

Denmark's current seat (non-permanent member for 2025-2026) on the UN Security Council makes it important as India mounts a diplomatic offensive against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

"External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay an official visit to the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany from May 19 to 24,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Sunday.

It further said Jaishankar would meet the leadership of the three countries and hold discussions with his counterparts on the entire gamut of bilateral relations, regional and global matters of mutual interest.

It is expected that Jaishankar will also apprise his counterparts about India’s decision to launch Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Under the operation, India on May 7 destroyed nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. The two sides reached an understanding on cessation of hostilities on May 10 after four days of confrontations.