External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has criticized Pakistan for cross-border terrorism and stated that India cannot host a SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) meeting until one of its members stops committing acts of terrorism. Jaishankar made these remarks during a discussion at the India International Centre.
He emphasized that India would not tolerate a situation where terrorism happens by night and trade happens by day. The lack of SAARC meetings in recent years is due to one member of the organization not adhering to the basic requirements of being a good member, preventing cooperation and progress.
Jaishankar firmly stated that acts of terrorism cannot continue while cooperation is expected. He called for the recognition of the seriousness of the issues and urged for a change in the current situation. He also pointed out that Pakistan is the exception when it comes to India’s relationship with neighboring countries, citing the issue of cross-border terrorism as the main hindrance to a normal relationship.
India has been consistently blaming Pakistan for the inactivity of SAARC. In December 2022, Jaishankar criticized Pakistan in Varanasi, stating that the SAARC is not active because one member believes that cross-border terrorism is compatible with dealing with neighbors.
SAARC is a regional intergovernmental organization consisting of eight South Asian countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. However, due to the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, SAARC has been hindered from functioning effectively.
Jaishankar’s statement reflects India’s strong stance against terrorism and the need for Pakistan to address the issue before meaningful cooperation can take place. Until there is a departure from the policy of cross-border terrorism, a normal relationship with Pakistan seems unlikely.
The remarks by the External Affairs Minister highlight India’s commitment to combatting terrorism and the importance of regional cooperation in addressing this pressing issue. While India seeks good relations with other neighboring countries, it insists on addressing the issue of cross-border terrorism before engaging in discussions with Pakistan.
It remains to be seen how Pakistan will respond to India’s demands and whether there will be any progress toward resolving the strained relationship between the two countries. In the meantime, India reiterates its firm stance against terrorism and its determination to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
