India's unwavering stance against terrorism was recently underscored by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during a meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in New Delhi. Jaishankar emphasized that India practices a policy of "zero tolerance" against terrorism and expects its partners to understand and respect this position. He asserted that India would never countenance equating perpetrators of evil with their victims, a statement that resonates deeply within the context of regional and global security concerns.
The External Affairs Minister's firm statement comes amid growing concerns in New Delhi regarding the tendency of some nations to draw parallels between India and Pakistan, particularly in the aftermath of recent clashes. This "hyphenation," as it is sometimes referred to, is viewed by India as a misrepresentation of the reality, where it is a victim of cross-border terrorism, and Pakistan is seen as a state sponsoring and harboring terrorists.
Jaishankar's remarks were also a response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed gratitude to the UK government for its strong condemnation of the "barbaric" act and for its continued support in India's fight against terrorism. The Prime Minister Modi also met with David Lammy and called for decisive global efforts to combat terrorism and those who enable it.
India's "zero tolerance" policy is not merely a rhetorical stance; it is a cornerstone of its national security strategy. The country has long maintained that terrorism is an unacceptable tool of state policy and that there can be no justification for the targeting of innocent civilians. This position is rooted in India's own experience with cross-border terrorism, which has claimed thousands of lives and caused immense suffering.
India's concerns about cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan have been consistently raised on international platforms. India accuses Pakistan of providing safe havens and support to various terrorist groups that operate within its borders. India has urged Pakistan to take credible and verifiable action to dismantle these terrorist networks and bring the perpetrators of terrorist attacks to justice.
India's commitment to combating terrorism extends beyond its immediate neighborhood. It actively participates in international counter-terrorism efforts, including through the United Nations and other multilateral forums. India has been a strong advocate for the adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, which would provide a universal legal framework for combating terrorism.
Furthermore, India's approach to international justice is complex. While it hasn't signed the Rome Statute and doesn't recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC), preferring national legal systems to address crimes against humanity, India actively contributes to shaping international law. India prioritizes national jurisdiction for prosecuting international crimes. India's engagement with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) reflects its commitment to international law, as seen in cases like the Kulbhushan Jadhav case. India has also been modifying its declarations on the jurisdiction of the ICJ, adding reservations to exclude certain disputes.
The recently concluded India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention were also hailed by Jaishankar as major milestones in the bilateral relationship. These agreements are expected to boost trade, investment, and overall strategic ties between the two countries.
In conclusion, India's message to the international community is clear: it will never countenance terrorism, and it expects its partners to stand with it in the fight against this global menace. The country's commitment to a "zero tolerance" policy is unwavering, and it will continue to work with like-minded nations to ensure that the perpetrators of evil are brought to justice and that the world is made a safer place.
