Jaishankar Says U.S. Approach to India’s Terrorism Concerns Is Affecting Ties
New York — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said a lack of U.S. understanding of India’s concerns over cross-border terrorism is creating difficulties in the relationship between New Delhi and Washington.
Speaking at an event in New York on Monday, Jaishankar said terrorism originating from a neighboring country has been a major concern for India for decades. Although he did not name Pakistan in his remarks, his comments referred to India’s longstanding allegations that Pakistan has supported terrorism targeting India.
“Perhaps there are very few countries which have been subjected to the kind of terrorism that we have from a neighbour as part of a deliberate conscious policy over many, many decades,” Jaishankar said.
He said the issue remains particularly important to India and that insufficient understanding from a strategic partner can affect the broader relationship.
“Now, if something which matters so deeply to us, there isn’t enough understanding or appreciation or empathy of that, I think that creates a problem,” he said.
“If one of my primary concerns is not fully appreciated by my partner, then clearly there is an impact on that on the relationship,” Jaishankar added.
His comments came in response to a question about factors preventing closer India-U.S. relations. Jaishankar identified trade as another issue affecting bilateral ties.
The remarks come as the Trump administration has sought closer engagement with Pakistan, while India has continued to emphasize its security concerns related to terrorism.
India has for years accused Pakistan-based militant groups of carrying out attacks on Indian territory. Pakistan has denied accusations that it supports terrorism as a matter of state policy.
U.S.-Pakistan relations have also been shaped by Washington’s counterterrorism concerns. Following the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States, Pakistan became a key U.S. partner in operations against al-Qaida, even as American officials repeatedly raised concerns about militant groups operating from Pakistani territory.
Those tensions intensified after al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden was discovered and killed by U.S. forces in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in 2011. (Source: IANS)
