Now Reading: Jaishankar: Pakistan unique in systematic use of terrorism
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Jaishankar: Pakistan unique in systematic use of terrorism
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said Pakistan's systematic and sustained use of terrorism against India makes it unique, and that this has shaped Indian public opinion which the government cannot ignore while…
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said Pakistan's systematic and sustained use of terrorism against India makes it unique, and that this has shaped Indian public opinion which the government cannot ignore while framing foreign policy. Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum, he said no other country uses terrorism so systematically to attack and pressurise a neighbour.
Jaishankar also noted that India has developed its own independent relationship with the United States despite Washington's long-standing ties with Pakistan. He stressed that as a minister in a democracy, he cannot be impervious to public sentiment on terrorism, and must take it into account when making policy decisions.
The remarks come amid continued tensions between India and Pakistan over cross-border terrorism. Jaishankar had also recently said India cannot ignore China and must become self-reliant, signalling a pragmatic approach to foreign relations.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Jaishankar's framing of Pakistan's uniqueness in state-sponsored terrorism is not new, it has been a consistent theme in Indian diplomatic statements since the 2019 Pulwama attack and the subsequent Balakot airstrikes. The key shift here is the explicit linkage to domestic public opinion as a constraint on foreign policy. This signals that any future rapprochement with Pakistan will require a credible, verifiable end to cross-border terrorism before India can consider resuming dialogue. The reference to the US relationship also underscores India's strategic autonomy: New Delhi has deepened defence and technology ties with Washington even as the US maintains engagement with Islamabad, including recent arms sales to Pakistan. The next signal to watch is the upcoming UN General Assembly session in September, where Jaishankar and Pakistan's foreign minister are likely to cross paths.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
