Jaishankar Calls Out Europe’s Support for Pakistan’s Military Regimes
Jaishankar’s Europe Tour Takes a Critical Turn
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has taken aim at Europe’s record on supporting military regimes in Pakistan, calling out the apparent contradiction in their professed democratic values.
During a stop in Berlin, the final leg of his three-nation tour of Europe, Jaishankar spoke to the German news outlet Politiken. He stated unequivocally that no one has supported Pakistan’s military regimes as much as the West, questioning Europe’s stance on democracy in the region.
He highlighted India’s own experiences with Pakistan’s military, citing the numerous border violations in Kashmir since India’s independence in 1947. Jaishankar emphasized that while Europe champions the inviolability of borders, it has often failed to acknowledge the same principle when it comes to India’s borders with Pakistan.
India’s Longstanding Concerns
India has long accused Pakistan’s military establishment of orchestrating cross-border terrorism. Jaishankar’s comments echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Islamabad’s power structure, heavily influenced by the army, allows terror groups to operate with impunity.
Strategic Discussions in Germany
Despite the pointed criticism, Jaishankar’s meetings with German officials focused on strengthening strategic cooperation. He discussed deepening the India-Germany partnership, particularly in areas like counter-terrorism, building resilient supply chains, and addressing global security challenges.
Jaishankar met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Minister of Economy and Energy Katherina Reiche, and Gunter Sautter, Foreign & Security Policy Advisor to Merz. He also engaged with members of the German Bundestag, emphasizing India’s commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms.
