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External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar's recent interview with French daily Le Figaro has ignited considerable discussion regarding India's stance on cross-border terrorism, its relationships with neighboring nations, and its broader role on the global stage. His direct and assertive statements regarding potential retaliatory actions against terrorists, even within Pakistan, represent a significant shift in rhetoric and underscore India's unwavering commitment to its national security. The minister’s words, “And if terrorists attack India, we will hunt them down wherever they are, including in Pakistan,” leave no room for ambiguity. This declaration signifies a departure from a more reactive approach to terrorism and signals a proactive strategy aimed at deterring future attacks and holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of their location. Jaishankar’s statement must be viewed in the context of recent events, including the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 and India’s subsequent retaliatory strikes on May 7. These events serve as stark reminders of the persistent threat of cross-border terrorism that India faces. By explicitly mentioning Pakistan, the EAM has directly addressed the source of much of this terrorism, placing the onus on Islamabad to take concrete steps to dismantle terrorist infrastructure within its borders. This is not merely a matter of bilateral relations; it is a demand for Pakistan to fulfill its international obligations to prevent its territory from being used for terrorist activities against other nations. However, Jaishankar also astutely clarified that India's dispute is “not with” a specific country, but rather with the phenomenon of terrorism itself. This distinction is crucial, as it avoids framing the issue as a bilateral conflict between India and Pakistan, which could further escalate tensions. Instead, it positions terrorism as a global threat that requires a collective response. By framing the issue in this way, India can garner broader international support for its counter-terrorism efforts and encourage other nations to exert pressure on Pakistan to address the root causes of terrorism emanating from its soil. The EAM's remarks regarding China's close ties with Pakistan are equally significant. He emphasized the need for consistency and transparency in addressing terrorism, stating, “On an issue like terrorism, you cannot afford ambiguity or double standards. In the end, it’s a problem that concerns all of us.” This is a clear message to Beijing, urging it to reconsider its support for Pakistan in light of the latter’s alleged support for terrorist groups. India has long been concerned about China’s veto power at the United Nations, which has been used to shield Pakistani-based terrorists from international sanctions. Jaishankar’s comments suggest that India is increasingly willing to publicly challenge China on this issue and to seek greater international cooperation in countering terrorism, regardless of geopolitical considerations. Turning to India's relationship with the United States, Jaishankar downplayed past tensions over trade disputes, highlighting the sustained strengthening of ties over the past quarter-century. He noted the ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving tariff issues and reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Quad partnership with the US, Japan, and Australia. The Quad is viewed by many as a counterweight to China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region, and Jaishankar's emphasis on its importance underscores India's commitment to a rules-based international order. The strengthening of India-US relations is not only beneficial for both countries but also contributes to regional stability and security. The two nations share common values and strategic interests, including a commitment to democracy, freedom of navigation, and counter-terrorism. By working together, India and the US can effectively address a range of global challenges, from climate change to pandemics. Jaishankar also addressed the complex relationship between India and China, acknowledging the difficulties that have arisen since the 2020 military clash in Eastern Ladakh. He stressed the importance of ensuring peace and stability in the border areas, stating, “The key question for us is: how do we ensure peace and stability in the border areas? Without that, everything else is affected.” This statement reflects India’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and its determination to resolve the border dispute through peaceful means. While acknowledging the challenges, Jaishankar also signaled some progress in restoring bilateral exchanges, including the potential resumption of direct flights. This suggests that both India and China recognize the importance of maintaining communication channels and working towards a modus vivendi that can prevent future escalations. The relationship between India and China is one of the most consequential in the world, and its stability is crucial for regional and global peace. Despite the ongoing tensions, both countries have a shared interest in avoiding conflict and promoting economic cooperation. Jaishankar's remarks offer a glimmer of hope that a path towards a more stable and predictable relationship can be forged. Addressing criticisms of India's internal diversity, Jaishankar dismissed them as exaggerated and often false. He emphasized India's unique multicultural foundation, contrasting it with the relative uniformity seen in many European nations. This is a direct response to concerns raised by some Western observers regarding the potential for religious polarization and discrimination in India. Jaishankar’s defense of India’s diversity is not only a matter of national pride but also a recognition of the importance of inclusivity for economic and social progress. India's strength lies in its ability to accommodate a wide range of cultures, religions, and languages. By embracing its diversity, India can unlock its full potential and serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar challenges. On the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Jaishankar reiterated India’s refusal to take sides, while advocating a negotiated peace. He emphasized India's efforts to assist both Ukraine and Russia and highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s engagement with both leaders. India’s neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict has drawn criticism from some Western nations, but Jaishankar defended it by pointing out the different perspectives of countries in the Global South. He argued that these nations have a shared legacy of colonialism and are striving for a fairer global order. India’s approach to the Ukraine conflict reflects its commitment to non-alignment and its desire to play a constructive role in resolving international disputes. By maintaining communication channels with both sides, India can potentially contribute to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Jaishankar’s emphasis on the Global South is particularly noteworthy. He sees this group of nations as having a shared sense of solidarity and a desire for a more equitable global order. This suggests that India is increasingly positioning itself as a leader of the Global South and is seeking to promote its interests on the international stage. India's growing economic and political influence makes it well-positioned to play this role. Finally, Jaishankar reiterated India’s bid for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council, arguing that India’s size, economic power, and global contributions warrant such a position. He stated, “We are the most populous country on the planet, the fourth or fifth largest economy... Are we ready to take on a greater role? Yes. Would the world be better off? The answer is yes again.” This is a clear declaration of India’s ambition to play a more prominent role in global governance. India's inclusion in the UN Security Council would make the body more representative of the world’s population and economic power. It would also strengthen the Council's legitimacy and effectiveness. Jaishankar's interview with Le Figaro provides valuable insights into India's foreign policy priorities and its evolving role in the world. His assertive stance on terrorism, his emphasis on strengthening strategic partnerships, and his commitment to a rules-based international order all point to a more confident and proactive India on the global stage. However, India also faces significant challenges, including the ongoing border dispute with China, the persistent threat of cross-border terrorism, and the need to address internal inequalities. How India navigates these challenges will determine its success in achieving its ambitious goals.
Jaishankar's explicit warning about pursuing terrorists into Pakistan has understandably garnered the most attention. This statement represents a significant escalation in rhetoric and a clear message to Pakistan about the consequences of allowing its territory to be used for terrorist activities. The timing of this statement, following the Pahalgam attack and retaliatory strikes, suggests a calculated effort to deter future attacks. It also signals a shift in India's strategic thinking, potentially moving away from a purely defensive posture to a more proactive approach to counter-terrorism. However, this approach carries significant risks. Any military action inside Pakistan would inevitably lead to a sharp escalation in tensions and could potentially trigger a wider conflict. It is therefore crucial that India exercises caution and carefully considers the potential consequences of any such action. The international community would likely react with concern to any cross-border military operation, urging restraint and a return to dialogue. India would need to carefully manage the diplomatic fallout and ensure that any action is proportionate and in accordance with international law. The effectiveness of this deterrent strategy hinges on several factors. First, it requires credible intelligence about the location of terrorist training camps and operational bases within Pakistan. Second, it requires the capability to conduct surgical strikes with minimal collateral damage. Third, it requires a clear communication strategy to explain India's actions to the international community and to reassure Pakistan that the goal is not to destabilize the country but to eliminate terrorist threats. Ultimately, the success of this strategy will depend on Pakistan's willingness to take concrete steps to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and to prevent its territory from being used for terrorist activities. The international community has a role to play in encouraging Pakistan to fulfill its obligations and in providing assistance to help it address the root causes of terrorism. The broader context of India's foreign policy is equally important. Jaishankar's emphasis on strengthening ties with the United States and other like-minded countries suggests a broader strategy of building alliances to counter China's growing influence. The Quad partnership, in particular, is seen as a key component of this strategy. By working together with the US, Japan, and Australia, India can enhance its maritime security, promote a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region, and deter Chinese aggression. The relationship between India and China remains a complex and challenging one. Despite the ongoing border dispute, both countries have a shared interest in maintaining peace and stability. The potential resumption of direct flights signals a willingness to engage in dialogue and to find ways to manage their differences. However, the underlying tensions remain, and the risk of future clashes cannot be ruled out. India's approach to China is characterized by a combination of engagement and deterrence. On the one hand, India seeks to promote trade and economic cooperation with China. On the other hand, India is strengthening its military capabilities and building alliances to counter Chinese aggression. This dual-track approach is designed to manage the risks while also pursuing opportunities for cooperation. The internal challenges facing India are also relevant to its foreign policy. Jaishankar's defense of India's diversity is not only a matter of national pride but also a recognition of the importance of inclusivity for economic and social progress. A divided and polarized India would be less able to project power and influence on the international stage. Therefore, addressing internal inequalities and promoting social cohesion are essential for India to achieve its foreign policy goals. The criticism of India's neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict highlights the challenges of navigating a complex and multipolar world. India's decision to prioritize its own interests and to maintain communication channels with both sides has been criticized by some Western nations. However, India argues that its approach is consistent with its non-aligned tradition and that it is best positioned to play a constructive role in resolving the conflict. India's emphasis on the Global South reflects its ambition to play a leadership role in the developing world. India sees itself as a champion of the interests of developing countries and is seeking to promote a more equitable global order. This ambition is reflected in India's efforts to promote sustainable development, to address climate change, and to reform the international financial system.
The aspiration for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council encapsulates India's broader ambition to shape the international order. The current composition of the Security Council, reflecting the geopolitical realities of 1945, is increasingly seen as outdated and unrepresentative. India's claim to a permanent seat is based on its size, economic power, democratic credentials, and its growing contributions to international peace and security. India's inclusion in the Security Council would not only make the body more representative but also enhance its legitimacy and effectiveness. India's experience in peacekeeping operations, its commitment to multilateralism, and its unique perspective on global challenges would be valuable assets to the Council. However, achieving this goal will require significant diplomatic effort. The five permanent members of the Security Council, namely the United States, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom, hold veto power and must agree to any changes to the Council's composition. Convincing these countries to support India's bid will be a major challenge. China, in particular, is likely to be resistant to any changes that would enhance India's influence on the global stage. Nevertheless, India has been actively lobbying for support from other countries and is making progress in building a coalition of like-minded nations that support its bid. The changing geopolitical landscape, with the rise of new powers and the increasing complexity of global challenges, may create an opportunity for reforms to the Security Council. If the Security Council is to remain relevant and effective in the 21st century, it must adapt to the changing realities of the world. In conclusion, EAM Jaishankar's recent remarks provide a valuable window into India's evolving foreign policy. His assertive stance on terrorism, his emphasis on strengthening strategic partnerships, and his ambition to play a more prominent role on the global stage all point to a more confident and proactive India. However, India also faces significant challenges, both internal and external, that will need to be addressed if it is to achieve its ambitious goals. The success of India's foreign policy will depend on its ability to navigate a complex and multipolar world, to manage its relationships with key powers such as the United States and China, and to address internal inequalities and promote social cohesion. The pursuit of a permanent seat at the UN Security Council represents a culmination of these efforts, signaling India's arrival as a major player on the global stage. Whether India can achieve this goal remains to be seen, but its determination to play a more influential role in shaping the international order is undeniable. The interview reveals a calculated strategy aimed at projecting strength, safeguarding national interests, and contributing to a more stable and equitable world order. As India continues to rise on the global stage, its foreign policy will undoubtedly be shaped by the vision and priorities articulated by EAM Jaishankar and other key decision-makers. The world will be watching closely to see how India navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Source: If attacked, we will hunt down terrorists wherever they are, including in Pakistan: EAM Jaishankar