The Hague [Netherlands], May 22 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his official visit to the Netherlands, issued a firm warning that Pakistan must face consequences if cross-border terrorist attacks persist. Speaking to Dutch daily de Volkskrant, Jaishankar referenced the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, condemning Pakistan’s military leadership for harboring extreme religious views that fuel terrorism.
“We want a definitive end to terrorism. Our message is therefore: yes, the ceasefire has put an end to military actions against each other for now, but if the terrorist attacks from Pakistan continue, there will be consequences. The Pakistanis must understand that very well,” Jaishankar stated.
Jaishankar was representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who canceled his planned state visit to the Netherlands due to the recent India-Pakistan military exchange. The visit emphasized economic cooperation, counterterrorism, and preparations for Modi’s rescheduled visit later this year.
On Pakistan’s Involvement in Terrorism
When asked if he implied Pakistan’s support for terrorism, Jaishankar was unequivocal: “I am not suggesting that, I am stating that.” He compared the situation to a hypothetical where a major city like Amsterdam harbored large military centers conducting training without government knowledge, which he deemed impossible.
“The most notorious terrorists on the United Nations sanctions list are all in Pakistan. They operate openly in big cities; their addresses, activities, and contacts are known. So let’s not pretend Pakistan is not involved. The state is involved. The army is up to its neck in it,” he asserted.
On Terrorism and the Kashmir Issue
Jaishankar rejected any linkage between terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and the broader Kashmir dispute. “For us, terrorism is an independent, completely unacceptable international crime that should not be condoned or justified,” he said. He condemned the religious tint given to attacks, emphasizing the terrorists’ intent to damage Kashmir’s tourism and social fabric for narrow, selfish motives.
Regarding Kashmir’s political status, he reaffirmed India’s stance: “It is a historical fact that Jammu and Kashmir joined India when India and Pakistan separated in 1947. The illegal occupiers should return the illegally occupied parts to the rightful owner, and that is us.”
On International Mediation
When questioned about the international community’s potential role in mediating the Kashmir dispute, Jaishankar stressed it is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan, dismissing external intervention. On US President Donald Trump’s offers to mediate, he stated, “This is something we will do together with Pakistan.”
Strengthening India-Netherlands Ties
Jaishankar also discussed expanding economic and technological cooperation with the Netherlands. Beyond traditional sectors like hydraulic engineering, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, India aims to grow in semiconductors and sustainable energy, especially green hydrogen.
He sought Dutch support for accelerating the India-European Union free trade agreement negotiations, aiming for conclusion by the end of 2025. “After Germany, you are India’s largest trading partner within the EU and the fourth largest investor in India worldwide,” he noted.
Responding to concerns about India’s agricultural protections, Jaishankar pointed out Europe’s own market shields and highlighted the challenges faced by India’s small farmers compared to subsidized large European farms, stressing the need for equitable trade terms.
India’s Global Role and Foreign Policy
Jaishankar acknowledged India’s ambition to assume a global leadership role but underscored a distinctive geopolitical approach: “We propagate our positions but respect other countries’ sensitivities and sovereignty, unlike Western traditions of imposing positions.”
He affirmed India’s support for reforming global institutions, including a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, reflecting India’s status as the world’s fourth-largest economy, surpassing Japan.
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar described India’s stance as shared by many Global South countries, emphasizing peaceful resolution and openness to mediation but without endorsing sanctions, which he called “a very Western way” of conducting international relations.
Background: Operation Sindoor and Recent Hostilities
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a decisive military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. The operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, killing over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling and attempted drone attacks. India responded with coordinated strikes against radar, communication, and airbases across 11 Pakistani airfields. This intense exchange led to an agreement on the cessation of hostilities on May 10.
(ANI)
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