Jaishankar Reflects on India’s Relationship with Pakistan
On Tuesday, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, shared insights into the country’s changing relationship with Pakistan, highlighting the profound impact of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. He emphasized that this tragedy marked a significant turning point in bilateral ties, leading to a more resolute stance from India. When questioned about the Indian government’s reluctance to discuss Pakistan publicly, Jaishankar pointed out that there’s no value in wasting "precious time" on such matters.
Jaishankar remarked, "India has changed, and I wish I could say the same for Pakistan. Sadly, they seem stuck in their old ways." He mentioned the attack on November 26, 2008, when ten terrorists from Pakistan struck various locations in Mumbai, resulting in the deaths of 166 people. This event galvanized public sentiment across the political spectrum in India, with people expressing that enough was enough.
Since the change in government in 2014, Jaishankar noted that Pakistan received a clear message that promoting terrorism would lead to serious consequences. He highlighted that while India’s global standing has grown in terms of economy and politics, Pakistan has not experienced the same progress. "In this timeframe, we have advanced, but Pakistan has merely stuck to its outdated tactics," he stated.
Regarding Pakistan’s involvement in Afghanistan, Jaishankar claimed that Pakistan attempted to exploit the situation during the US and NATO presence in the region. He described Pakistan’s strategy as a "double game," claiming ties with both the Taliban and opposing forces. However, he noted that with the withdrawal of American troops, Pakistan could no longer maintain this strategy, leading to a decline in its influence.
Jaishankar contrasted India’s image, which he described as one of technology, with Pakistan, which he associated with terrorism. "Our brand today is technology. That’s the clear difference. While we will respond to any acts of terrorism, why should I waste my time addressing them?" he questioned.
This perspective underscores India’s commitment to focusing on its development while sidelining distractions from terrorist activities.
