S. Jaishankar Affirms India’s Stance Against Pakistan’s Aggressive Tactics at UNGA
During his address at the UNGA, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized Pakistan’s manipulative tactics, particularly in relation to cross-border terrorism and the Indus Water Treaty. He asserted that India’s response would not be limited to military action, indicating a broader diplomatic strategy. Jaishankar also underscored the economic repercussions of Pakistan’s religious radicalization and set a clear precondition for any bilateral dialogue: the end of cross-border terrorism. This stance clarifies India’s unyielding approach towards Pakistan’s narratives and actions, especially in response to the upcoming SCO summit.
In a pointed speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed Pakistan’s ongoing “double game” in its dealings with India, particularly in the context of bilateral relations and cross-border terrorism. This discourse was catalyzed by India’s request for an amendment to the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, which has been considerably affected by Pakistan’s persistent support for terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. With Pakistan yet to respond to India’s notice issued on August 30, 2024, Jaishankar articulated that India would respond robustly to each provocation from Pakistan, illustrating that such responses would extend beyond military action. Jaishankar also highlighted the incongruity in Pakistan’s diplomatic approach. While Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif linked issues in Gaza to the Kashmir situation, Jaishankar countered this narrative by deconstructing it through a junior diplomat and then delivering a clear message regarding Pakistan’s internal struggles with religious radicalization and its implications for its economy. He remarked that Pakistan’s economic situation had become a reflection of its religious extremism. As tensions escalate ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Islamabad, Jaishankar’s discourse underscores the Indian government’s awareness of Pakistan’s strategies and emphasizes that any dialogue with Islamabad is conditional on the cessation of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. By defining Pakistan’s predicament as karmic retribution for its actions, Jaishankar underlined the Modi administration’s firm stance against Pakistan’s longstanding grievances toward India—demonstrating that it will no longer tolerate provocations or double standards in diplomatic relations.
This article discusses the recent remarks made by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the United Nations General Assembly, where he articulated India’s response to Pakistan’s alleged double-dealings concerning its aggressive stance towards India and its support for cross-border terrorism. The context of this speech is framed by India’s ongoing negotiations regarding the Indus Water Treaty, established in 1960, amidst growing concerns about water rights and Pakistan’s actions in Jammu and Kashmir. This discourse comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in South Asia, particularly with impending international gatherings such as the SCO summit, where the implications of these diplomatic positions will be further scrutinized.
In summary, S. Jaishankar’s UNGA address serves as a significant declaration of India’s unwavering position against Pakistan’s tactics and narratives aimed at undermining India’s interests. By firmly establishing that any future dialogue is predicated on the cessation of terrorism, and delineating the economic and social consequences of Pakistan’s radicalization, India signals that it remains vigilant and prepared to address these challenges decisively. This reinforces the Modi government’s commitment to a robust foreign policy framework that prioritizes India’s sovereignty and national security.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
