India Reiterates 'New Normal' on Terrorism During Diplomatic Outreach in Algeria

By A Staff Reporter

Algiers, Algeria — BJP MP Baijayant Panda, leading the Group 1 all-party parliamentary delegation to Algeria, emphasized India’s firm and evolving approach to terrorism and cross-border conflict during a diplomatic briefing. Addressing concerns from international partners over ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, Panda outlined what he termed as the "new normal" in India's foreign policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to media representatives in Algiers, Panda stated that the delegation's key objective was to explain to other nations that India’s approach has shifted decisively after decades of restraint and repeated violations by Pakistan. “It is normal that when there is conflict, countries get worried—especially between two nuclear powers. Their instinct is to call for dialogue and de-escalation. That is what we have done for 78 years,” he said, citing multiple treaties, negotiations, and diplomatic efforts that India has pursued with Pakistan, including cricket diplomacy and water-sharing agreements.

However, he stressed that these gestures have consistently been met with violations from Pakistan’s side. “We have come with a clear message,” Panda declared. “If they launch terrorist attacks on our soil, we will retaliate and make it very expensive for them.” He emphasized that India's response would be targeted at terrorist infrastructure, not civilian populations, and warned that any escalation from the Pakistani military would be met with proportionate force.

Panda underlined that India does not desire hostility, but peace and development. “If they stop shooting, we will stop shooting. We want Pakistan to move away from terrorism and towards development,” he added. “We are ready to treat them like a normal, friendly country if they change their policies.”