External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India’s stance on maintaining good ties with Pakistan, provided they are free of terrorism. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Jaishankar emphasised that the responsibility lies with Pakistan to demonstrate a shift from its past behaviour of supporting cross-border terrorism.
“We have made it very clear that it is for the Pakistani side to show that they are changing their behaviour of the past. If they don’t, there are implications for the bilateral ties,” Jaishankar said. He highlighted India’s willingness to have harmonious relations with all its neighbours but stressed that terrorism-free ties are a prerequisite.
Trade Disruptions
Responding to BJP MP Naveen Jindal’s query on steps to improve trade and commerce with Pakistan, Jaishankar pointed out that trade disruptions occurred due to decisions taken by Pakistan in 2019. India, he stated, holds an agnostic position on these developments, putting the onus on Pakistan to address trade-related barriers.
Earlier in October, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, Jaishankar had identified terrorism, extremism, and separatism as the “three evils” obstructing regional trade, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges. While attending the SCO meeting in Pakistan, Jaishankar called for a firm commitment to the SCO Charter, emphasising that development and growth require peace and stability.
“If activities across borders are characterised by terrorism, extremism, and separatism, they are hardly likely to encourage trade, energy flows, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges,” he stated, taking a veiled jab at Pakistan’s track record.
India’s Firm Stand Against Terrorism
Jaishankar underscored that India cannot engage in dialogue with a nation that supports terrorism. At the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Goa last year, he responded strongly to then-Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s remarks, asserting that “victims of terrorism do not sit together with perpetrators of terrorism.”
India has consistently maintained that terror and talks cannot coexist, with Jaishankar reiterating that those who promote terrorism must be held accountable.
Jaishankar’s remarks underline India’s clear position: Pakistan must demonstrate a commitment to renouncing terrorism if it seeks improved bilateral ties. The ball remains in Pakistan’s court to take meaningful steps toward fostering a peaceful and cooperative relationship with India.
While India remains open to dialogue and collaboration, any progress hinges on Pakistan’s actions to dismantle the networks of terror and foster a conducive environment for peace.
(With agency inputs)
