India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, has openly addressed the intricate challenges of maintaining relations with Pakistan, highlighting the latter’s use of terrorism as a tool of state policy. During his visit to the Institute of South Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore, Jaishankar emphasized India’s stance on addressing terrorism head-on.
Jaishankar, while discussing his book ‘Why Bharat Matters’, underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “Every country wants a stable neighbourhood…we have been unfortunate, or ill-starred to be blessed with the one we have to our west.” He expressed concerns about dealing with a neighbor openly employing terrorism.
Without explicitly naming Pakistan, Jaishankar made references to the country’s approach to terrorism, likening it to an “industry level” assembly line process. He stressed India’s decision to confront the issue directly, stating that avoiding it would only lead to further complications.
The External Affairs Minister highlighted the necessity of honest discussions and proactive measures in addressing terrorism. He emphasized India’s refusal to overlook the issue any longer, citing public anger and a lack of response to the terrorism threat as significant factors driving this stance.
Currently on an official visit to Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia from March 23 to March 27, Jaishankar aims to strengthen bilateral ties and engage in discussions on regional issues of mutual interest. The purpose of the visit, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs, includes fostering closer cooperation with these nations and addressing shared concerns.
