Important to address root countries behind terrorism: Jaishankar's veiled attack on Pak

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in a significant diplomatic statement, made a veiled attack on Pakistan, emphasising the need to address not only the "root cause" but also the "root countries" behind the challenges posed by terrorism. Speaking at the inaugural session of the India-Japan forum in the national capital, Jaishankar, along with his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi, discussed critical global issues, including terrorism and nuclear proliferation.

At the forum's discussion on Friday, Yoshimasa Hayashi, the Japanese Foreign Minister, asserted that countering terrorism is an "unquestionable issue" and highlighted the importance of cooperation between like-minded countries such as India and Japan to combat this menace effectively.

"This is an unquestionable issue. Everybody should be very strict over activities such as terrorism. Cooperation between like-minded countries like us (India and Japan) to counter-terrorism is a top priority issue," said Hayashi who arrived in Delhi on Thursday on a two-day visit.

Responding to the question on Japan's view on terrorism, EAM Jaishankar articulated the multifaceted challenges that the world faces, encompassing missile nuclear proliferation and terrorism. In his eloquent response, he stressed the significance of addressing the root causes and the countries responsible for fostering such issues. While not explicitly naming Pakistan, the Minister's remarks alluded to the nation's role in propagating terrorism and fueling instability in the region.

"There are some really important challenges in the world, like missile nuclear proliferation and terrorism & it is imp that we address root causes and root countries which are behind this and it is important that Japan and India are on the same page," he said.

EAM S Jaishankar's veiled attack on Pakistan

Jaishankar's astute remark demonstrated the intellectual depth of India's approach to global challenges. He underscored that India and Japan, as like-minded nations, need to be on the same page when it comes to tackling terrorism and related issues. This statement further solidifies the growing strategic partnership between the two Asian countries.

The focus on nuclear proliferation highlighted by Jaishankar is pertinent to both India and Japan. India, being a responsible nuclear power, has consistently emphasised the importance of disarmament and non-proliferation. On the other hand, Japan, which faced the devastation of nuclear attacks during World War II, advocates for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation globally.

Drawing common lines between the issues (nuclear and terrorism-related) faced by both countries, Jaishankar's veiled attack on Pakistan assumes significance. Pakistan has been a source of concern for India as it continues to sponsor terrorism on its soil, leading to a loss of innocent lives and fostering instability in the region. Additionally, Pakistan has been accused of involvement in nuclear proliferation activities, with accusations of supplying nuclear technology for military purposes to North Korea-- a hostile neighbour of Japan who on multiple occasions issued nuclear threats.