India’s Ambassador to Israel, JP Singh, emphasized the urgent need for Pakistan to hand over notorious terrorists such as Hafiz Saeed, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, and Sajid Mir, who have long been accused of orchestrating deadly attacks on Indian soil. Drawing attention to the recent example of the United States extraditing Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key planner behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, JP Singh questioned why Pakistan continues to shield these terror operatives instead of surrendering them to justice. Highlighting terrorism as a global threat, the ambassador called for greater international cooperation and the formation of a coalition to combat terrorism and its supporters.
Demand for Accountability from Pakistan
Speaking against the backdrop of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 innocent lives, JP Singh condemned Pakistan-based terror groups and Islamabad’s alleged protection of high-profile terrorists linked to the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He pointed out that despite international pressure and the devastating impact of their actions, key Lashkar-e-Taiba leaders like Hafiz Saeed, Sajid Mir, and Lakhvi remain free. JP Singh urged Pakistan to fulfill its diplomatic promises and hand over these fugitives, emphasizing that this is a straightforward step toward improving relations and regional security.
The ambassador underlined the precedent set by the United States, which extradited Tahawwur Rana, and insisted that Pakistan could easily follow suit. “When the US can hand over these culprits, why can’t Pakistan?” he asked, stressing that surrendering these terrorists would end much of the current tension.
Operation Sindoor and India’s Strategic Shift
In a candid conversation with Israeli news channel i24, JP Singh described India’s counter-terrorism initiative, Operation Sindoor, as “paused but not over.” He explained that the operation was a targeted military retaliation against Pakistan-sponsored terror groups in response to the Pahalgam attack, where victims were singled out based on their religion. The ambassador emphasized that while the ceasefire currently holds, India has adopted a more offensive and proactive approach to counter terrorism. He said India is committed to neutralizing terrorists and dismantling their networks wherever they may be.
Responding to Pakistan’s recent suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, which Islamabad labeled an “act of war,” JP Singh remarked that the principles of the treaty were never fully respected by Pakistan. He reaffirmed India’s stance that its actions were driven by ongoing threats and terror activities originating from across the border.
