S Jaishankar: Pakistan's Army Is the Source of India's Security Challenges and Ideological Hostility

India carried out 'Operation Sindoor' in May against Pakistan.

New Delhi:

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, while speaking to NDTV's CEO and Editor-In-Chief Rahul Kanwal at the HT Leadership Summit on Saturday, stated that many of India's problems have emanated from the Pakistani army. The minister emphasized that the ideological hostility towards India originates from Pakistan's military establishment.

"When examining terrorism, training camps, and the policy of ideological hostility towards India, the source becomes clear—it comes from the army. Looking at Pakistan's current state, comparing the differentials in capabilities and reputation between our two nations, I believe we should avoid getting over-obsessed or hyphenating ourselves with them," Jaishankar remarked.

The minister acknowledged that while challenges exist, New Delhi will "deal with it" appropriately.

Referring to Pakistani army chief Asim Munir, Jaishankar observed, "Similar to the distinction between good terrorists and bad terrorists, there are good military leaders and not-so-good ones."

When questioned about potential alternative approaches India could have taken during Operation Sindoor, Jaishankar highlighted that India functions within a specific framework of rules and norms, where every action must withstand scrutiny from the nation, its citizens, and the media.

"For India, there are things we do and things we don't. We adhere to rules and norms. Any step we take requires accountability to our country, people, media, and civil society. It would be unrealistic to compare ourselves with them, and doing so would, in many ways, be an injustice to ourselves," he explained.

In May, India executed 24 missile strikes across nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir under 'Operation Sindoor,' resulting in 70 terrorist casualties and 60 injuries. This action was in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan responded with 'arbitrary and indiscriminate firing' and artillery shelling along the Line of Control. Both countries subsequently agreed to a ceasefire on May 10.