Jaishankar calls Pakistan an “epicentre of terrorism”

Firing a fresh salvo on Pakistan External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar termed Pakistan as “epicenter of terrorism” in an interview with a popular Austrian TV show. After which Jaishankar said, he could have used much harsher words for India’s neighbor for promoting terrorism.

S Jaishankar also criticized Europe and said, “Europe for not condemning the practices that have been going on for multiple decades.”

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Vienna to attend the second leg of his two-nation tour.

Jaishankar addressed the media with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg “Because you are a diplomat, doesn’t mean you are untruthful. I could use much harsher words than epicenter, so believe me, considering what has been happening to us, I think epicenter is a very diplomatic word.”

In reference to the Mumbai 2008 attacks, S Jaishankar said, “This is a country which has attacked the Parliament of India some years ago, which attacked the city of Mumbai, which went after hotels, and foreign tourists, which every day sends terrorists across the border.”

“Since the epicenter (of terrorism) is so close to India, our experiences and insights are naturally valuable to others,” Jaishankar said.

While addressing the media at UN Security Council Jaishankar made the same remark against Pakistan.

When an anchor asked Jaishankar about Pakistan does not spread terrorism as a country, Jaishankar said, “If you control your sovereign space, which I believe they do. If terrorist camps operate in broad daylight in cities with recruitment and financing, can you really tell me that the Pakistani state doesn’t know what’s going on? Especially, they are being trained in military-level, combat tactics.”

Hitting out at European countries the foreign minister said, “When we speak about judgments and principles, why don’t I hear sharp European condemnation of these practices that have been going on for decades?”

Earlier on Monday, a lengthy talk on the threats to international peace and security was held by the Jaishankar with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.

“Their effects cannot be contained within a region especially so when they are deeply connected to narcotics and illegal weapons trade, and other forms of international crime. Since the epicenter is located so close to India, naturally our experiences and insights are useful to others,” Jaishankar said.