In recent statements at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Astana, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accused Pakistan of harboring terrorists and providing safe havens for terrorism. This accusatory stance is not new and has been a recurrent theme in India’s foreign policy discourse. However, these allegations overlook the significant challenges Pakistan faces as a victim of terrorism, particularly from militant groups based in Afghanistan.
During the SCO summit, Prime Minister Modi’s message, conveyed by Jaishankar, emphasized the need for the international community to isolate and expose countries that condone terrorism. Modi asserted that terrorism in any form cannot be justified and called for a decisive response to cross-border terrorism. He stressed the importance of combating terrorism financing and recruitment, identifying these as key steps in addressing the global threat of terrorism. Jaishankar’s remarks reinforced India’s long-standing accusations against Pakistan, portraying it as a state sponsor of terrorism. This narrative has been a central element of India’s foreign policy, particularly in forums like the SCO, where combating terrorism is a primary focus.
Contrary to the accusations, Pakistan has been a significant victim of terrorism. The country has endured numerous terrorist attacks over the past two decades, resulting in........