S. Jaishankar’s UNGA speech highlighted India’s firm stance against Pakistan’s dual narratives concerning Kashmir and Gaza. He announced that cross-border terrorism must end before any dialogue could begin, reinforcing India’s determination to address Pakistan’s provocations. The Minister’s comments underscore a shift in India’s diplomatic approach, signaling a readiness for more assertive responses to Pakistan’s actions.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a pointed address during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), targeting Pakistan’s duplicity in its dealings with India. He underscored that India’s responses to Pakistan’s actions would not be constrained to military responses, indicating a broader spectrum of diplomatic and economic repercussions. His remarks followed India’s recent call for a review of the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, a move fueled by ongoing cross-border terrorism allegedly sponsored by Pakistan, which has severely limited India’s ability to fully exercise its water rights under the treaty. Pakistan has yet to respond to India’s formal notification submitted on August 30, 2024. Jaishankar emphasized that while Pakistan attempts to manipulate international discourse to frame its narrative against India, the Indian government is well aware of Islamabad’s strategic double-game. In a direct rebuke, Jaishankar noted that Pakistan’s economic condition has become intrinsically linked to its level of religious radicalization, and he made it clear that India is resolute in its commitment to reclaim its territories and dismantle the Pakistani terror apparatus. His declarations set the stage for an anticipated visit to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, scheduled for October 15-16 in Islamabad. He also addressed the attempts by Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to draw parallels between conflicts in Gaza and the situation in Kashmir, countering these claims with a strong assertion of India’s position. Jaishankar remarked, “It was ‘Karma’ that had reduced Pakistan to a pauper state,” effectively turning the narrative back onto Pakistan’s actions that have led to its current plight. Furthermore, the Minister made it abundantly clear that cross-border terrorism must cease as a prerequisite for any constructive bilateral dialogue, signaling an end to the previous era of restrained responses and foreshadowing a more assertive Indian posture in its dealings with Pakistan. Jaishankar’s discourse reinforced the notion that the Modi administration holds a clear, unwavering viewpoint on Pakistan, recognizing that Islamabad’s identity is largely defined by its animosity towards India and its people.
The backdrop of this article lies in the long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly concerning issues of territorial disputes and cross-border terrorism. As both nations navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, the Indus Water Treaty has emerged as a critical point of contention, particularly in light of persistent terror activities originating from Pakistan that have directly impacted India. The UNGA serves as a significant forum where nations articulate their grievances and positions, making Jaishankar’s speech a pivotal moment in addressing Pakistan’s behavior on an international stage, while also preparing for India’s strategic response to ongoing provocations.
Minister S. Jaishankar’s address at the UNGA exemplifies a robust Indian response to Pakistan’s perceived double-game tactics. By articulating India’s stance on overarching issues such as the Indus Water Treaty and cross-border terrorism, he not only rebuffed Pakistan’s attempts to shift the narrative but also signaled that future Indian diplomatic engagements would be firmly contingent upon Pakistan ceasing all forms of aggression. Jaishankar’s clear articulation of India’s position serves to inform both domestic and international audiences of India’s readiness to respond decisively to provocations, thereby shaping future diplomatic interactions.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
