Germany on Wednesday openly declared its support for India in its fight against terrorism. Answering a question on the recent Indian surgical strikes on terror camps across the line of control, Martin Ney, the German ambassador said, “it is absolutely clear that there are two norms in international law governing this issue (cross-border terrorism). The first clear norm is that every state under legal occupation should ensure that no terrorism is emanating from its territory.

“Secondly, there is a clear international law that any state has the right to defend its territory from any form of global terrorism,” Ney said. In addition, he said “When it comes to counter terrorism, Germany stands side by side with it its strategic partner (India). And these (statements) are not empty words. It is quite clear in the political declaration signed by Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merkel,” he said.

“I can assure you standing with India side by side against terrorism are not empty political words but backed with concrete projects,” Ney said.