India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has issued a strong warning to Pakistan over its continued sheltering of terrorist groups, asserting that there will be consequences if attacks emanating from Pakistani soil persist. Speaking during his visit to the Netherlands, S Jaishankar said it is not a matter of speculation but of fact that Pakistan’s state apparatus and military are deeply involved in fostering terrorism, with terror operations being carried out in broad daylight from within major cities.
No Pretence About Pakistan’s Role
In a candid interview with Dutch daily De Volkskrant, S Jaishankar dismissed the notion that Islamabad remains unaware of the terror infrastructure operating within its borders. Drawing a sharp comparison, he asked whether any government could claim ignorance if tens of thousands were conducting military training in central Amsterdam. “Of course not,” he said, stressing that the addresses, contacts, and operations of sanctioned terrorists in Pakistan are all known to the world.
He further stated, “Let’s not pretend that Pakistan is not involved. The state is involved. The army is up to its neck in it.” S Jaishankar underscored that India seeks a clear and conclusive end to terrorism and cannot accept excuses or narratives that dilute Pakistan’s accountability.
Kashmir and Terrorism Are Separate Issues
S Jaishankar also reiterated that for India, the issues of Jammu and Kashmir and terrorism are entirely separate. He emphasized that terrorism is an international crime and should not be justified under any context. Recalling the recent terrorist attack in Srinagar on April 22, which killed 26 people, mostly civilians, he accused the perpetrators of targeting Kashmir’s tourism sector and giving the attack a religious angle to serve narrow interests.
Commenting on Pakistan’s role in Jammu and Kashmir, S Jaishankar stated that the illegally occupied regions must be returned to India, reaffirming that the region’s accession to India in 1947 was final. He dismissed US President Donald Trump’s previous offer to mediate on Kashmir, stressing that any dialogue on the issue will only take place bilaterally between India and Pakistan.
S Jaishankar’s remarks echoed the tough stand taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recently warned that any attack on Indian daughters will be met with a fierce response, referencing the decisive Operation Sindoor as a new template for India’s counter-terrorism efforts.
