Jaishankar Blasts Pakistan Over Terror Links in Blunt Remarks From Netherlands
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar issued a scathing critique of Pakistan’s repeated denials of involvement in cross-border terrorism during his diplomatic visit to the Netherlands this week. In an interview with Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant, Jaishankar asserted that the Pakistani state and military were deeply complicit in fostering terrorism, saying bluntly, “the army is up to its neck in it.”
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The remarks came amid a broader tour aimed at enhancing India’s diplomatic and strategic partnerships, with the Netherlands now India’s second-largest trade partner within the EU. Yet, Jaishankar did not shy away from addressing one of India’s most contentious foreign policy challenges — cross-border terrorism allegedly supported by Pakistan.
Referring to his earlier statement in December 2022, where he described Pakistan as the “epicentre of terrorism,” Jaishankar stood firm. “I’m not suggesting it… I’m stating it,” he said, drawing a provocative analogy: “Suppose there were military centres in the middle of Amsterdam, in which tens of thousands gather for military training. Would you say your government knows nothing about that?”
Jaishankar challenged what he described as a misleading global narrative that absolves Islamabad of responsibility, noting that globally sanctioned terrorists operate openly in Pakistani cities. He referenced ongoing threats despite claims of ceasefire diplomacy.
If the terrorist attacks from Pakistan continue, there will be consequences. The Pakistanis must understand that very well says EAM Dr S Jaishankar pic.twitter.com/U3l63ltwPC
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) May 22, 2025
The minister condemned the recent attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, blaming terrorist groups for injecting religious overtones. He urged the international community to stand united and reject this propaganda.
“Terrorism is not a negotiating tool,” Jaishankar declared, adding that any attempt to justify violence using the Kashmir issue is fundamentally flawed. He reiterated India’s legal claim that Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India in 1947, calling for Pakistan to vacate territories it occupies. Relatedly, India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism was emphasized again.
Jaishankar also dismissed any third-party mediation in India-Pakistan disputes, indirectly rebutting former U.S. President Trump’s claim of ceasefire diplomacy. He reinforced that India achieved de-escalation independently, echoing the stance presented during recent diplomatic visits.
These views closely align with Prime Minister Modi’s messaging, who reiterated that dialogue with Islamabad can resume only after dismantling terror camps and withdrawing from occupied territories.
In response to the Pahalgam tragedy, PM Modi signaled a hardening stance, endorsing cross-border retaliation operations such as Operation Sindoor as necessary countermeasures to Pakistan’s persistent provocations.
Suggested Readings On India's Global Diplomatic Outreach After Operation Sindoor
- Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s Strategic Talks in Japan
- India-UAE Parliamentary Diplomacy Post-Operation Sindoor
- Jaishankar’s Sharp Remarks on Ceasefire Hypocrisy
- India-Germany Talks on Strategic Autonomy
- Honoring Army Veterans Amid Global Diplomacy
- India-Japan Alliance Against Terror Networks
- Zero Neutrality: India-Japan Consensus on Terror
- Multilateral Terror Research With Russia & Japan
- Germany’s Support for India’s Self-Defence Mandate
