External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar recently addressed global double standards on terrorism during a briefing in Washington D.C.. This took place during his visit to the United States, where he participated in a Quad Foreign Ministers meeting.
Jaishankar strongly advocated for a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, emphasizing that the world must not equate victims and perpetrators. He affirmed India's right to defend its people against terrorism and asserted the nation's intention to exercise that right. He expects India's partners to understand and appreciate this position.
The External Affairs Minister's remarks in Washington D.C. occurred after India's global outreach program regarding Operation Sindoor, a military action responding to the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. During a conversation with Newsweek CEO Dev Pragad in New York, Jaishankar stated that India would "no longer fall for nuclear blackmail" concerning cross-border terrorism. He made it clear that India will act against terrorists and their sponsors, regardless of nuclear threats.
Jaishankar highlighted the necessity of publicly denouncing terrorism, particularly when a state supports it against a neighbor, fueled by extremism. He stressed the urgency of combating terrorism in all its forms, noting the pain inflicted on the families of victims. He stated that any state sponsorship of terrorism must be exposed, as terrorism anywhere threatens peace everywhere.
During an exhibition titled “The Human Cost of Terrorism” at the UN headquarters, Jaishankar criticized Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. He emphasized that it is imperative to call out terrorism publicly when it is supported by a state against a neighbor and is fueled by the bigotry of extremism. The exhibition displayed the devastating toll of terrorist acts globally, including the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts, the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, and the Pahalgam terror attack.
Jaishankar also referred to the United Nations Security Council's strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and demanded that its perpetrators be held accountable. He conveyed that Operation Sindoor's objective was to act against the perpetrators, supporters, financers, and enablers of terrorist attacks.
Furthermore, Jaishankar highlighted key outcomes from the Quad foreign ministers' meeting in Washington D.C.. He reiterated the commitment to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific and promoting a rules-based international order. He also emphasized that nations of the Indo-Pacific should have the freedom of choice. The Quad aims to deepen convergence and has made significant progress in maritime domain awareness, logistics, education, and political coordination.
In summary, EAM Jaishankar's statements in Washington D.C. underscored India's firm stance against terrorism, its commitment to defending its people, and its call for international cooperation to combat this global threat. He addressed the issue of double standards and stressed the importance of holding perpetrators and their sponsors accountable.
