Jaishankar’s Diplomatic Duplicity At Astana – OpEd

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 thousands of casualties and severe socio-economic disruption. Many of these attacks have been attributed to militant groups operating from Afghanistan, highlighting the complex security dynamics of the region. Pakistan’s government and military have undertaken extensive counter-terrorism operations to address these threats. Operations such as Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad were launched to dismantle terrorist networks and restore peace. These efforts have been costly, both in terms of financial resources and human lives, but have achieved significant successes in reducing terrorist activities within the country.

The accusations of terrorism sponsorship are part of a broader historical context of strained relations between India and Pakistan. Since their independence in 1947, the two countries have engaged in several wars and numerous border skirmishes. The issue of terrorism has been a significant point of contention, with both nations accusing each other of supporting terrorist activities. India has often focused on groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which have been implicated in attacks on Indian soil. Conversely, Pakistan points to the militant groups in Afghanistan that target Pakistani civilians and security forces. This mutual blame game exacerbates tensions and hinders efforts for regional cooperation and peace.

In response to the terrorist threats, Pakistan has launched several large-scale military operations. Operation Zarb-e-Azb, initiated in 2014, targeted militant strongholds in North Waziristan, a region bordering Afghanistan. This operation aimed to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and has been credited with significantly reducing terrorist incidents in Pakistan.

Following Zarb-e-Azb, Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad was launched in 2017 to eliminate residual terrorist networks and prevent their resurgence. This operation also focused on addressing the ideological roots of extremism through de-radicalization programs and community engagement initiatives. These counter-terrorism efforts highlight Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism, despite the challenges posed by its geopolitical environment. The country’s security forces have paid a high price in terms of casualties, underscoring the severity and complexity of the threat they face.

The security situation in Afghanistan directly affects Pakistan’s internal security. The presence of militant groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan poses a significant threat to Pakistan. These groups exploit the porous border and challenging terrain to launch attacks on Pakistani soil. Pakistan has repeatedly called for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan, recognizing that instability in its neighbor directly impacts its own security. The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and the subsequent rise of the Taliban have further complicated the security dynamics, with fears of increased militant activity spilling over into Pakistan.

Despite India’s accusations, the international community has acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism. Various countries and international organizations have recognized the sacrifices made by Pakistan and the progress achieved through its military operations. However, there is a need for greater international cooperation to address the root causes of terrorism in the region. This includes stabilizing Afghanistan, promoting regional dialogue, and supporting comprehensive counter-terrorism strategies that address both immediate threats and long-term challenges.

Jaishankar’s accusations at the SCO summit reflect India’s ongoing concerns about terrorism. However, these allegations must be viewed in the context of Pakistan’s own victimhood and the complex security environment it navigates. Pakistan has faced significant terrorist threats, particularly from groups operating out of Afghanistan, and has undertaken extensive efforts to combat these challenges. For meaningful progress in combating terrorism, a balanced approach is essential. Recognizing the efforts and sacrifices of all countries involved and fostering regional cooperation, supported by international engagement, are crucial steps toward addressing the multifaceted threat of terrorism and promoting lasting peace and stability in South Asia.