ISLAMABAD: Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has once againunderscored the exceptional nature of India’s relationship with Pakistan,attributing it to Islamabad’s longstanding and overt support for terrorism.Speaking during an interaction with the Indian community in Luxembourg,Jaishankar described Pakistan’s policies as unparalleled in thecontemporary world, where state-backed terror infrastructure operatesopenly in major urban centers. This statement comes amid heightenedtensions following India’s Operation Sindoor in 2025, which targeted terrorsites in response to a deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The minister’sremarks have reignited debates on bilateral dynamics, with implications forregional stability and global perceptions of cross-border terrorism.
The core of Jaishankar’s critique revolves around Pakistan’s allegednormalization of terrorism as a state instrument. He challenged observersto identify any other nation that has sustained such policies against aneighbor for decades. According to the minister, training camps formilitants are not hidden in remote areas but exist prominently inPakistan’s big cities, supported by state and military elements. Thisvisibility, he argued, reflects an attempt to legitimize these activitiesinternationally, despite increasing global skepticism. India’s foreignpolicy, therefore, must be crafted around this “unpalatable reality,”treating Pakistan differently from other neighbors where cooperationprevails.
Jaishankar emphasized that these are not sporadic incidents but adeliberate, persistent strategy. The minister noted that majorinternational terrorist incidents have frequently been traced back toPakistan, underscoring the absence of accountability. This stance alignswith India’s broader narrative that dialogue remains contingent on thedismantling of terror infrastructure.
Recent developments have intensified this rhetoric. The Pahalgam terrorattack in April 2025, which claimed several civilian lives includingtourists, prompted India’s Operation Sindoor. This precision militaryresponse targeted nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan Kashmir,eliminating key infrastructure without escalating to full-scale conflict.Jaishankar has defended such actions as necessary self-defense, assertingIndia’s right to protect its citizens from persistent threats. He has alsolinked water-sharing agreements, like the Indus Waters Treaty—placed inabeyance post-attack—to good neighborly conduct, warning that terrorismundermines such cooperation.
Jaishankar’s Luxembourg address extended beyond bilateral issues,critiquing perceived Western hypocrisy on violence and unrest. Hereferenced unsolicited advice following Operation Sindoor, urging criticsto examine their own regions before commenting on India’s responses. Thisapproach reflects India’s evolving foreign policy under the currentadministration, which prioritizes realism over rhetoric. By distinguishingcooperative neighbors from those engaging in destabilizing activities, NewDelhi signals a calibrated strategy: positive engagement where possible,firm countermeasures where necessary.
The international community continues to monitor these developmentsclosely. Reports from various global think tanks and intelligenceassessments have documented the presence of terror networks in Pakistan,though Islamabad consistently denies state involvement. Jaishankar’srepeated emphasis on open camps in urban areas aims to counter narrativesof ignorance or lack of control. He insists that addresses, contacts, andactivities of listed terrorists are well-known, making denial implausible.This position strengthens India’s case for greater global pressure onPakistan to act decisively against terrorism.
Pakistan’s response to Jaishankar’s statements has been dismissive,labeling them irresponsible and aimed at deflection. Islamabad maintainsthat its support is limited to moral and diplomatic backing for Kashmiriself-determination, while accusing India of regional instability. Despitesuch rebuttals, the minister’s comments reinforce India’s zero-tolerancepolicy, which has manifested in surgical strikes and other targetedoperations in recent years. As tensions persist, the focus remains onwhether diplomatic channels can address the terrorism issue or ifconfrontational postures will dominate.
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In conclusion, Jaishankar’s latest remarks highlight the deep impasse inIndia-Pakistan relations, rooted in divergent approaches to security andsovereignty. By framing Pakistan as an exception, India asserts itscommitment to countering threats decisively while pursuing constructiveties elsewhere in the neighborhood. The coming months will likely testwhether international mediation or bilateral resolve can bridge thisdivide, amid ongoing concerns over regional peace.
Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/pakistan-openly-backed-terror-camps-in-its-big-cities-for-decades-says-eam-jaishankar/articleshow/126386419.cms
Tags: India, Pakistan, S Jaishankar, Terrorism, Operation Sindoor
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