EAM Jaishankar Says Terrorism and Ideological Hostility Toward India Emanate From Pakistan Army
New Delhi, Dec 6: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said that a significant portion of India’s long-standing security challenges, including terrorism and ideological hostility, originates directly from the Pakistani Army. Speaking in an interview with Rahul Kanwal, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of NDTV, at the HT Leadership Summit, Jaishankar said India is fully aware of the threats and will deal with them with clarity and confidence.
According to the minister, Pakistan’s military establishment continues to fuel anti-India sentiment, support terror networks, and sustain the training ecosystem that enables cross-border terrorism. “When you look at terrorism, when you look at the training camps, when you look at the almost ideological hostility towards India, where does that come from? It comes from the army,” he said during the conversation.
Jaishankar said India must remain focused on its own growth and strength instead of comparing itself constantly with Pakistan. He noted that Pakistan’s political instability, weak institutions, and global reputation contrast sharply with India’s progress. “We should not get over-obsessed and hyphenate ourselves with them,” he said.
When asked about Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, Jaishankar made a nuanced remark, suggesting that just as some people distinguish between “good and bad terrorists,” the same could be said about military leaders. His comments hinted at the inconsistency in Pakistan’s internal power structures and the role they play in fostering conflict.
India’s Operation Sindoor and the Question of Military Response
The discussion also touched on India’s targeted military action, Operation Sindoor, carried out after the Pahalgam terror attack. The operation targeted high-value terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. When asked if India could have taken a different approach or a more aggressive one, Jaishankar emphasised that Indian actions are guided by strong institutions, legal norms, and accountability.
He said India is a democracy that follows rules and maintains transparency in national security decisions. “There are things we do, and there are things we don’t. We have norms. If we take any step, we are accountable in this country—to the people, to the media, to civil society,” he said. He remarked that comparing India’s military conduct with Pakistan’s would be unfair, as the two nations operate under completely different frameworks of governance and responsibility.
Sheikh Hasina’s Stay in India and the Future of Bilateral Ties
The minister also addressed questions regarding former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024 after her elected government collapsed amid violent nationwide unrest. Hundreds were killed during political clashes, and a special tribunal in Bangladesh later sentenced her to death in absentia for alleged “crimes against humanity.”
When asked if India would allow Hasina to stay for as long as she wished, Jaishankar clarified that her stay was tied to the circumstances under which she arrived. “She came here in a certain circumstance, and that circumstance clearly is a factor in what happens to her. But again, that is something in which she has to make up her mind,” he said. His comments suggested that while India has provided safety, future decisions remain with Hasina.
Jaishankar expressed optimism about India-Bangladesh relations, saying that India supports democratic values and hopes Bangladesh returns to political stability through a legitimate democratic process. “We wish Bangladesh well. We think any democratic country likes to see the will of the people ascertained through a democratic process,” he said. He added that he is confident Bangladesh’s next leadership will take a balanced and mature view of relations with India.
A Firm Position With an Eye on Regional Stability
Throughout the interview, Jaishankar maintained that India’s foreign policy in the region is guided by strategic clarity, democratic principles, and long-term national interests. His comments reflected India’s increasing confidence on the global stage and its willingness to confront difficult regional challenges without hesitation. From countering terrorism to navigating complex political transitions in neighbouring countries, India continues to prioritize stability, accountability, and the rule of law.
Our Thoughts
Dr. S. Jaishankar’s remarks reflect a clear and strategic understanding of India’s security environment and the challenges that define South Asia’s geopolitical landscape. By directly identifying the Pakistani Army as the root of terrorism and ideological hostility, the minister has reinforced what Indian agencies have consistently maintained for decades. His comments also underline the importance of maintaining perspective—India’s rapid development, stable institutions, and global reputation stand in stark contrast to Pakistan’s instability.
His explanation of Operation Sindoor offers insight into how India approaches military action with responsibility and legal integrity. In a region where transparency is rare, India’s accountability to its citizens makes its decision-making process fundamentally different from Pakistan’s opaque military structure.
Jaishankar’s balanced remarks on Sheikh Hasina emphasise India’s diplomatic maturity. While offering safety and support, India also respects Hasina’s autonomy and the internal processes of Bangladesh. His optimism about future India-Bangladesh ties signals India’s long-term commitment to stability in the neighbourhood.
Overall, the minister’s statements reflect a confident India—ready to address threats, uphold democratic values, and shape the regional narrative with clarity and purpose. His remarks strengthen India’s position as a responsible power navigating a complex strategic environment.