Russia backs surgical strikes says India has the right to defend itself

Russia said it 'welcomes' the surgical strike by India. Assures India that it does not need to worry about Russia-Pakistan joint military exercise.

Days after it asked Islamabad to take "effective" steps to stop the activities of terrorist groups on its territory, Russia said it "welcomes" the surgical strike by India as every country has a right to defend itself.

Russia's Ambassador to New Delhi Alexander M Kadakin also said his country had always been with India in fighting cross-border terrorism.

"Greatest human rights violations take place when terrorists attack military installations and attack peaceful civilians in India. We welcome the surgical strike. Every country has right to defend itself," Russian embassy quoted Kadakin as having told a news channel.

He also assured India that it does not need to worry about Russia-Pakistan joint military exercise, saying it did not take place in "Pakistan-Occupied Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir".

Last week, a Russian Foreign Ministry statement had said Russia stands for "decisive struggle" against terrorism in all its manifestations.

"We are concerned with the aggravation lately of the situation along the line of control between India and Pakistan.

"We are calling on the parties not to allow any escalation of tension and to settle the existing problems by political and diplomatic means through negotiations. We stand for decisive struggle against terrorism in all its manifestations.

"We expect that the Government of Pakistan should take effective steps in order to stop the activities of terrorist groups in the territory of the country," the statement said.