Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan addressed the recent military escalation between India and Pakistan during a Q&A session in Parliament, presenting Armenia’s stance within the framework of counterterrorism.

He emphasized that the recent tensions originated from a terrorist attack and added, “We must acknowledge the right of a state to defend itself against terrorism.”

“There was a terrorist act. The Republic of Armenia responded promptly, condemned the attack, extended condolences to the victims’ families and expressed solidarity. We — and I believe any state that considers itself civilized — cannot condone terrorism, we can only condemn it. And I think we should also recognize the right of a country to protect itself from terrorism. That is the perspective from which we view this issue and that is our position,” Mirzoyan stated, according to Armenpress.

The escalation stems from a terrorist assault on April 22 near Pahalgam in India’s Jammu and Kashmir region, which killed 26 people, including one Nepali citizen. Indian authorities claim to have evidence of involvement by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence agency.

On the night of May 7, the Indian military struck nine targets in Pakistan that New Delhi claims were used by terrorist groups. The Indian side clarified that no Pakistani military assets were targeted.

Azerbaijan has condemned India’s actions, labeling them an act of “aggression against Pakistan.”