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The recent statements by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscore India's unwavering stance on its relationship with Pakistan: a commitment to improved ties hinges entirely on Pakistan's demonstrable renunciation of state-sponsored terrorism. Jaishankar's consistent messaging, delivered across various international forums including the Lok Sabha and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meetings, reiterates this core principle. He hasn't minced words, stating explicitly that the onus rests squarely on Pakistan to alter its past behavior characterized by cross-border terrorism. This isn't a new position; India has consistently maintained that dialogue and cooperation are impossible while Pakistan continues to harbor and support terrorist organizations. The consequences of Pakistan's actions are not merely symbolic; they directly impact bilateral relations, including crucial aspects like trade and commerce.
The disruption of trade between India and Pakistan, a point raised by BJP MP Naveen Jindal, serves as a stark illustration of this interconnectedness. Jaishankar directly attributes the current trade standstill to decisions made by Pakistan in 2019. This highlights the practical ramifications of Pakistan's actions: not only are diplomatic relations strained, but the economic consequences are also significant. While India maintains a neutral stance regarding the specifics of these disruptions, the underlying message is clear: the resolution lies in Pakistan's willingness to address the trade barriers it has itself erected. This unwillingness points to a larger issue: Pakistan's prioritization of supporting terrorism over economic cooperation and regional stability.
Jaishankar's participation in the SCO meeting provides further context. His identification of terrorism, extremism, and separatism as the 'three evils' hindering regional progress is telling. His remarks, veiled though they may be, directly target Pakistan's track record. The emphasis on the SCO Charter and the necessity of peace and stability for development and growth are not merely platitudes; they are pointed reminders of Pakistan's detrimental role in the region. By placing the blame squarely on Pakistan's actions, Jaishankar effectively frames the issue not as a bilateral dispute, but as a regional challenge with far-reaching consequences. The very foundation of regional cooperation, trade, and people-to-people exchanges are jeopardized by Pakistan's continued support for terrorism.
The incident at the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Goa further emphasizes India's firm position. Jaishankar's pointed response to then-Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's remarks — asserting that victims of terrorism cannot sit with perpetrators — perfectly encapsulates India's unwavering stance. This isn't simply a matter of diplomatic posturing; it reflects a fundamental moral and strategic imperative. India cannot, and will not, negotiate with a nation that actively sponsors terrorism against its citizens. This principled stand is not merely a rhetorical flourish; it reflects a deep-seated commitment to combating terrorism and protecting its national security interests.
Looking forward, the situation remains unchanged. The ball, as Jaishankar's statement implies, firmly remains in Pakistan's court. While India keeps the door open to dialogue and collaboration, genuine progress depends entirely on concrete actions from Pakistan. This means dismantling terrorist networks, ceasing all forms of support for cross-border terrorism, and creating an environment conducive to peace and cooperation. Until such actions are demonstrably taken, India's stance will remain unwavering: there can be no meaningful engagement with a nation that actively undermines regional stability and perpetrates acts of terror against its neighbor.
The implications extend far beyond the immediate bilateral relationship. The stability of the entire South Asian region is directly affected by Pakistan's actions. Continued support for terrorism not only disrupts trade and economic growth but also fuels instability and conflict, impacting the lives of millions. Jaishankar's statements serve as a clear call to action, not just for Pakistan, but for the international community as a whole. The global fight against terrorism requires a unified front, and Pakistan's actions directly affect the efficacy of these international efforts. The question is not merely whether India and Pakistan can improve their ties; it's whether the region can achieve lasting peace and prosperity in the face of persistent state-sponsored terrorism.
Source: EAM Jaishankar calls for ‘terrorism-free ties’ with Pakistan