External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored India’s enduring struggle against cross-border terrorism, emphasizing the pivotal role of the Mumbai attacks on 26/11, orchestrated by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as a transformative moment in the country’s fight against terrorism. Addressing the media, Jaishankar highlighted the need for a robust response to those practicing cross-border terrorism.
“Terrorism started at the moment of our independence when so-called raiders came from across Pakistan… What has changed in this country today, I think the Mumbai 26/11, to me, was the tipping point,” stated Jaishankar, dismissing notions of a passive response and stressing the importance of countering such acts with a strong and strategic approach.
During the 3rd convocation of Rashtriya Raksha University in Lavad, Gandhinagar, Jaishankar reiterated India’s long-standing battle against terrorism, acknowledging its particular challenge. He expressed an unwavering commitment to delegitimizing and countering terrorism, recognizing the influence of technological advancements on the evolving dynamics of counterterrorism efforts.
“Terrorism has long been a particular challenge for India. And our mission is to de-legitimize it, and to counter it remains unrelenting. And, as the world has seen, it is a domain that draws particular energy from technology and technological advancements,” affirmed Jaishankar.
Elaborating on the multifaceted nature of counterterrorism, Jaishankar emphasized India’s expanded interests in contributing to the security of other nations. This commitment could manifest in immediate neighborhood support or extend to broader areas such as financial, health, and energy assistance, encompassing the Global South.
“Counterterrorism, therefore, challenges both our capabilities and our imaginations. As our interests expand, we have to strive to contribute to the security of others. This may be in the immediate neighborhood, or it may be in terms of financial, health, and energy support, or it may be for a larger constituency like the Global South,” he stated.
India and Pakistan’s historically strained relations, aggravated by concerns over cross-border terrorism, have been further complicated since the 2019 decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. This move led to diplomatic tensions, including the expulsion of India’s ambassador to Islamabad and the halt of bilateral trade by the Pakistan government, then led by Imran Khan.