Jaishankar's Stark Warning to the West on Pakistan-Backed Terrorism
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, delivered a pointed message to Western nations, cautioning that their persistent overlooking of terrorism emanating from Pakistan could have dire consequences in the future. Speaking during an interview in Brussels, Jaishankar emphasized that Pakistan-sponsored terrorism is not merely a challenge for India but a global threat demanding collective attention.
Why Pakistan’s Terrorism Concerns the World
Reflecting on past events, Jaishankar drew attention to the chilling fact that Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, was able to live undetected for years within a Pakistani military area — near what is considered Pakistan’s equivalent of the prestigious West Point military academy. He stated,
“There was a man named Osama bin Laden. Why did he, of all people, feel safe living for years in a Pakistani military town, right next to their equivalent of West Point? I want the world to understand — this isn’t merely an India-Pakistan issue. It’s about terrorism. And that very same terrorism will eventually come back to haunt you.”
This assertion is supported by historical facts: Osama bin Laden was killed in a US raid in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in 2011, just a stone's throw from the Pakistan Military Academy. Also, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the principal architect of the 9/11 attacks, was captured not far from Pakistan’s Army headquarters.
Engagement with European Union Amidst Strategic Talks
Jaishankar's visit to Brussels involved high-level discussions with European Union leaders such as Ursula von der Leyen, Kaja Kallas, and Roberta Metsola. The ongoing negotiations between India and the EU on a comprehensive trade deal played a significant role in these talks, highlighting strategic cooperation amid pressing global security concerns.
Addressing the West’s Double Standards on Territorial Aggression
The External Affairs Minister also criticized the West for their selective stance on territorial conflicts. While many Western countries call on India to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, they have historically maintained friendly ties with Pakistan despite its aggressive actions against India shortly after independence.
Jaishankar reminded that Pakistan’s invasion of Jammu and Kashmir in October 1947—mere months after India’s independence—and subsequent occupation of parts of the region have long been a sore point. He highlighted the irony where the countries that tacitly supported or remained silent about Pakistan’s actions at that time now expect India to uphold international norms without acknowledgment of their earlier positions.
“India has the longest-standing grievance — our borders were violated just months after independence, when Pakistan sent in invaders to Kashmir. And the countries that were most supportive of that? Western countries. If those same countries—who were evasive or reticent then—now say ‘let’s have a great conversation about international principles,’ I think I’m justified in asking them to reflect on their own past.”
Looking Ahead: A Call for Global Responsibility
Jaishankar’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the intertwined nature of global terrorism and geopolitics. By urging the international community to recognize the dangers of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism beyond India's borders, he called for unified vigilance. The message resonates with the demand for consistency in addressing territorial violations and terrorism worldwide.
