India's External Affairs Minister Criticizes Pakistan's Role in Terrorism During European Visit

During a visit to Europe, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made pointed remarks regarding Pakistan's connections to terrorism. In an interview with a Dutch newspaper, he dismissed the notion that Islamabad is unaware of the terrorist networks operating from its territory. Jaishankar asserted that both the Pakistani government and military are complicit in terrorism. He was in the Netherlands, which is India's second-largest trading partner in the European Union, to strengthen bilateral relations.

Jaishankar sharply criticized the Pakistani military establishment, stating that it is deeply involved in cross-border terrorism and supports notorious terrorist organizations. In his interview, he rejected the idea that Pakistan lacks knowledge about the terrorist groups active on its soil, emphasizing that both the government and military are engaged in terrorist activities. He noted, "The most infamous terrorists listed by the United Nations are all based in Pakistan. They operate openly in major cities, and their addresses and activities are well-known." Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated dramatically following the killing of 26 tourists by Lashkar-linked terrorists in Pahalgam on April 22. India conducted precise airstrikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor on May 7, leading to four days of intense military hostilities before a ceasefire was announced on May 10.

Jaishankar stated, "Let’s not pretend that Pakistan is not involved. The state is complicit, and the military is fully engaged." He warned that if terrorist attacks from Pakistan continue, there would be consequences. He also clarified that terrorism and the issue of Jammu and Kashmir are entirely separate matters for India.

The minister expressed India's desire to end the terrorism problem originating from Pakistan. When questioned about his previous statements labeling Pakistan as a "hub of terrorism," he clarified, "I am not suggesting; I am stating." He pointed out to the Dutch newspaper, "If there are large military centers in the middle of cities like Amsterdam where thousands gather for military training, would you say your government knows nothing about it? Absolutely not." In a prior interview with Dutch media, Jaishankar reiterated India's stance on terrorism, Kashmir, and bilateral relations with Pakistan, firmly stating, "Kashmir is an integral part of India. No country negotiates over any part of its territory."

Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in 26 fatalities, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a decisive military response. The Indian Armed Forces targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of over 100 terrorists linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. In retaliation, Pakistan initiated cross-border shelling along the Line of Control and attempted drone strikes in border areas, prompting India to conduct a coordinated attack that damaged radar infrastructure, communication centers, and airfields at 11 Pakistani airbases. Subsequently, a mutual agreement to cease hostilities was announced on May 10. Jaishankar is on an official visit to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from May 19 to 24.