New Delhi [India], June 15 (ANI): Former Deputy National Security Advisor Pankaj Saran emphasised India's firm stance against terrorism, highlighting Pakistan as the epicentre of the issue.

Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of a event here, Saran clarified that Operation Sindoor was an anti-terrorist strike, not aimed at Pakistan itself but targeting terrorist infrastructure.

'The message was simple that we have a problem on our hands, which is terrorism and the epicentre of that problem is next door to us, which is Pakistan. The Operation Sindoor had very little to do with Pakistan. It was primarily an anti-terrorist strike. If the terrorist infrastructure is located in Pakistan, that is too bad. We've been telling the Pakistani authorities that either you deal with it or someone else will. The operation that was conducted was only against terrorist infrastructure. It's important to keep this distinction,' he said.

He underscored the nexus between terror groups and Pakistan's military, describing it as an instrument of state policy.

'The second message was that the epicentre is Pakistan. There is a direct nexus between terror groups and the army. It is part and parcel of their instruments of state policy,' he said.

Saran also stressed that India's fight against terrorism aligns with global concerns, noting, 'India is not alone; the entire world has been a victim of terrorism.'

On India's growing global stature, Saran highlighted the country's consistent inclusion in G7 discussions, even predating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure.

'India has been a regular invitee, even before he (PM Modi) became a Prime Minister, even in the pre-Modi era, India was an invitee. I think the invitation is a recognition of a reality that everyone accepts today, which is that you cannot discuss the state and the future of the global economy without India...Because you cannot have a solution to any global problem without India...India must always be a part of the solution, never a part of the problem. Which is why we have been invited despite all the bilateral problems with Canada, because the G7 feels that they need to have India on their side,' he said.

On Sunday morning, Prime Minister Modi departed from New Delhi for Cyprus. His visit to Cyprus will take place from June 15 to 16. Following that, he will participate in the G-7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, on June 16 and 17, and will conclude his trip with an official visit to Croatia on June 18. (ANI)