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Indian FM Jaishankar Asks Europe to Condemn Pakistani State-Sponsored Terrorism

Jaishankar called on Pakistan to act against terrorist camps that “operate in broad daylight.”

January 3, 2023

Author

Statecraft Staff
Indian FM Jaishankar Asks Europe to Condemn Pakistani State-Sponsored Terrorism 
 Indian EAM S. Jaishankar said that given Pakistan’s control over their “sovereign space,” it should act against terrorist camps that “operate in broad daylight in cities with recruitment and financing.” IMAGE SOUCE: AFP

During his visit to Austria that concluded on Monday, Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar called on European countries to sharply condemn Pakistani state-sponsored terrorism, stressing on the threat posed by the militants who are being given “military-level training” in the neighbouring country.

In this regard, he said that the international community should be concerned about the harbouring of terrorism and not ignore it as “some other country’s” problem.

During an interview with Austrian state media house ORF, Jaishankar responded to a question about his previous reference to Pakistan as an “epicentre of terrorism.” On being questioned whether the statement was “undiplomatic,” he said that given Pakistan’s history of leading attacks in India, he could have described it with words that are “much harsher.”

To this end, he cited the example of the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament, the 2006 Mumbai attack that targeted hotels and foreign tourists, and Pakistan’s repeated attempts to send terrorists to Indian territory.

He said that given Pakistan’s control over their “sovereign space,” it should act against terrorist camps that “operate in broad daylight in cities with recruitment and financing.”

Jaishankar also made a veiled reference to Pakistan state-sponsored terrorism during a joint press conference with Austrian FM Alexander Schallenberg, highlighting issues such as cross-border terrorism, violent extremism, radicalisation, and fundamentalism. He said that given that the “epicentre” of terrorism is located very close to India, its “experiences and insights” are valuable for other countries.

UKRAINE

Jaishankar responded to questions about India’s refusal to openly condemn Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine, saying that “international relations” pose “complicated situations.” He recalled that there are several instances wherein the European continent turned a blind-eye to other countries that carried out such violations of territorial integrity in the past, hinting at Pakistan and China’s aggression along India’s border.

In this regard, he reiterated that countries make foreign policy decisions based on their own judgements and personal interests.

The Indian EAM added that New Delhi has always been committed to a return to “dialogue and diplomacy,” and during the press conference alongside Schallenberg, he restated that “this is not the era of war” and the conflict was not in the interest of either party.

Nevertheless, he said that it was not India’s position to determine which country is more powerful than the other and set conditions for negotiations.

Regarding New Delhi’s refusal to join Western sanctions on Russia, and move to increase Russian oil imports instead, the Indian minister highlighted that Europe had imported a lot more energy from Russia than India. He went on to say that Europe had decreased its reliance on Moscow in a way that’s “manageable” for the continent. In this regard, he said that India, too, should be allowed to work for the benefit of its populations and seek energy at lower prices.

Jaishankar further clarified that New Delhi is not reluctant to criticise Moscow just because it is India’s largest military supplier. Instead, he emphasised that India’s neutrality is in pursuance of its age-old partnership with Russia, which dates back to an era wherein Western democracies armed military dictatorships.

MIGRATION AND MOBILITY 

The news anchor questioned Jaishankar about the timeline of fulfilling his promise to Schallenberg regarding taking back Indian citizens who do not receive asylum, which he said will likely be 100% of the migrants.

Jaishankar retorted sharply saying that a timeline for such a process was difficult to give since it would be contingent on the extent of proof.

Nevertheless, Jaishankar said that once the rejected asylum-seekers are identified as Indian citizens, India will fulfil its obligations. He clarified saying that if Indian citizens are ever found illegally residing in other countries, India cooperates with the governments involved and resolves the matter expeditiously.

In the media address alongside Schallenberg, Jaishankar also raised a concern about illegal migration, saying that it “enhances the vulnerability of the people” as it is “inherently exploitative.”

Further, during his meeting with Schallenberg, Jaishankar signed a Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement to allow both countries to “synchronise with [the] availability” of skills and talents. The agreement aims to expand their “economic opportunities” by facilitating a “global knowledge economy.”

Jaishankar celebrated Austria as a “serious and consequential partner” that was significant for India’s “modernisation and progress.” He also stressed the importance of Austria as a European Union member, particularly amid the ongoing discussions on the Free Trade Agreement.

CHINA’S AGGRESSION IN ASIA

On a separate note, Jaishankar said that India’s concern about China’s prospective invasion of Taiwan is based on its own experiences. He recalled that China did not abide by an agreement between New Delhi and Beijing barring it from military expansion into Indian territory.

Nevertheless, he said that he cannot publicly predict any other changes in status quo across the world despite these predispositions against Beijing.

Author

Statecraft Staff

Editorial Team

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