‘Would you believe their govt didn’t know?’ S Jaishankar blasts Pakistan’s role in terrorism

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during his official visit to the Netherlands, strongly criticised Pakistan for its alleged support of terrorism. In an interview with Dutch daily De Volkskrant, Jaishankar dismissed the idea that Islamabad is unaware of terror networks operating within its borders.

He directly accused both the Pakistani state and its army of being involved in terrorism.

“Let’s not pretend that Pakistan is not involved,” he said. “The state is involved. The army is up to its neck in it.”

Operation Sindoor praised

Jaishankar praised the Indian armed forces’ recent counter-terror mission, Operation Sindoor, stating that India “deserves appreciation for its action against terror”.

He reiterated India’s commitment to combating terrorism and called for a global stand against it.

Terror camps cannot be ignored

When questioned about his past remarks referring to Pakistan as the “epicentre of terrorism”, Jaishankar stood firm.

“I’m not suggesting that, I’m stating that,” he replied, pointing out that terrorist groups are openly active in Pakistani cities.

He posed a sharp comparison to highlight the seriousness of the situation: “Suppose there were large military camps in a city like Amsterdam, where thousands trained openly. Would you believe the government didn’t know? Of course not.”

Terrorists operating freely in Pakistan

The minister said many of the world’s most notorious terrorists on UN sanctions lists reside in Pakistan.

“They live in major cities, their addresses are known, their contacts are known. They operate in daylight,” he added.

Jaishankar urged the international community not to be misled by claims of ignorance from Islamabad.

Ceasefire holding ‘for now’

Jaishankar acknowledged that the ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan, reached on 10 May, had brought a temporary halt to military action. However, he issued a warning: “If terrorist attacks from Pakistan continue, there will be consequences. The Pakistanis must understand that very well.”

Terrorism and Kashmir are separate issues

He made it clear that India views terrorism and the Kashmir dispute as separate matters.

“For India, terrorism is an international crime. It is unacceptable and cannot be justified,” he stated.

Jaishankar recalled the terrorist attack in Srinagar on 22 April, which killed 26 people, mostly civilians. He said the attackers deliberately targeted Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism industry and added a religious angle to the attack for their own narrow interests. “The world should not tolerate such actions,” he said.

No scope for third-party mediation

Addressing US President Donald Trump’s previous offer to mediate the Kashmir dispute, Jaishankar reiterated India’s stance that the issue is strictly bilateral.

“This is something we will do directly with Pakistan,” he said.

Trump had earlier claimed credit for brokering the May ceasefire between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor and suggested he used trade relations as leverage. India, however, has consistently denied any third-party role in its affairs with Pakistan.

PM Modi sends a strong message

Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed Jaishankar’s strong tone. Speaking on Thursday, he warned Pakistan and terror groups, saying that if anyone attempts to harm the daughters of India, “they will be turned into dust”.

He described Operation Sindoor as India’s new approach to justice and a strong response to terrorism.