Show me a kinder policy towards Pakistan : S Jaishankar

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking in Luxembourg, delivered a sharp criticism of Western countries for what he described as selective moral posturing on issues of terrorism and regional security. Using pointed sarcasm, Jaishankar questioned the credibility of external advice directed at India, particularly in the context of Pakistan.

“Show me a kinder policy towards Pakistan”

Referring to India’s long-standing approach, Jaishankar challenged critics to identify any country that has shown greater restraint toward Pakistan. He alleged that terrorist training camps have operated openly in Pakistan for decades, arguing that such activities were neither hidden nor denied.

According to the minister, terrorism in Pakistan has been systematically enabled and normalized. He said the entire ecosystem there supports such actions while portraying them as legitimate conduct, a stance India firmly rejects.

Differentiated approach to neighbours

Jaishankar emphasised that India’s foreign policy is not uniform but based on conduct. Countries that engage constructively with India, he said, would be met with cooperation and goodwill. However, he made it clear that nations involved in hostile or destabilising actions would face a markedly different response.

“Our dealings depend on behaviour,” he indicated, underlining that Pakistan’s actions place it in a separate category altogether.

Questioning western double standards

The external affairs minister also took aim at what he termed “free advice” frequently offered by countries far away from South Asia’s realities. He suggested that such commentary often comes with minimal responsibility and is driven by self-interest or carelessness.

Jaishankar remarked that while Western nations are quick to advise restraint when conflicts involve others, they apply very different standards when addressing security concerns closer to home.

National interest drives global decisions

Highlighting the realities of contemporary geopolitics, Jaishankar stated that nations ultimately act based on their own interests. He added that unsolicited advice often surfaces during crises, urging countries on what they should or should not do, even as the same advisors pursue entirely different policies domestically.

In a pointed closing remark, Jaishankar asked critics to examine levels of violence within their own regions before lecturing others, asserting that India does not require external validation or guidance from the West on matters of national security.

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