Russia backs India's surgical strikes in PoK, slams Pakistan's claims of human rights violations in Kashmir

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New Delhi: In a big boost for the Narendra Modi-led regime, Russia on Monday backed India's surgical strikes against terror camps in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

While backing the surgical strikes, Russian ambassador to India, Alexander M Kadakin said, Russia was the first country to openly say that the terrorists who killed 20 Armymen in Uri came from Pakistan.

“We are opposed to terror activities against India and we have openly stated it,” he said, adding, “any country has to defend against such acts.”

At the same time, while talking to CNNNEWS18, Kadakkin urged Pakistan to stop trans-border terrorism, which is hurting India.

When asked about Pakistan's repeated attempts to raise alleged human rights violations in Kashmir at the international level, the Russian envoy categorically stated: “Greatest Human Rights violations take place when terrorists attack military installations or peaceful people in India,” adding that “this is the worst form of human rights violations.

Commenting on the recently held Russia-Pakistan military exercise, the ambassador said, “India shouldn't worry as it's a normal practice between two militaries of two countries.”

“The theme of the exercise is anti-terror fight. So Russia would be teaching the Pakistanis not to use Army for terror attacks,” the Russian envoy said.

Tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan following recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes to destroy terror launch pads across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

Amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday said the country was "fully prepared for any escalation".

Meanwhile, Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said the Indian Army is giving a "befitting reply" to the terrorists as well as to continuous ceasefire violations along the LoC.