New Delhi,– External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, during a robust session at the prestigious Raisina Dialogue, reiterated India’s firm stance on the Kashmir issue, highlighting the “unequal application” of the existing world order’s rules when it comes to dealing with terrorism emanating from its western neighbour. His remarks, delivered amidst a gathering of global leaders and policymakers, underscored India’s frustration with the selective application of international norms and its unwavering commitment to protecting its sovereignty.
Jaishankar’s address focused on the dichotomy between the global community’s vocal condemnation of terrorism in other parts of the world and its perceived reluctance to address the specific challenges faced by India in the context of cross-border terrorism linked to Pakistan. He argued that the rules-based international order, often touted as the cornerstone of global stability, fails to deliver equitable outcomes when it comes to India’s security concerns.
“The rules of the existing world order are not applied equally,” Jaishankar asserted, emphasizing that the global discourse on terrorism often overlooks the unique complexities of the Kashmir situation. He pointed to the long history of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in the region, including the infiltration of militants, the funding of separatist movements, and the use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy.
The EAM’s comments come at a time when India continues to grapple with the persistent threat of terrorism emanating from across the border. He highlighted the significant steps taken by the Indian government to normalize the situation in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, including the restoration of democratic processes and the implementation of development initiatives.
However, Jaishankar stressed that these efforts are constantly undermined by the continued support for terrorism from Pakistan. He criticized the international community for its perceived double standards, calling for a more consistent and principled approach to combating terrorism in all its forms.
“When we talk about rules-based order, it must apply to everyone,” he stated, adding that selective application of these rules weakens the very foundation of the international system. He called for a more robust and unified global response to terrorism, one that does not differentiate between good and bad terrorists or justify the actions of state sponsors.
Jaishankar also addressed the broader geopolitical context, emphasizing India’s commitment to multilateralism and its desire to play a constructive role in shaping the global order. He reiterated India’s vision of a multipolar world, where all nations have a voice and where international relations are based on mutual respect and cooperation.
However, he cautioned that this vision cannot be realized if the international community continues to turn a blind eye to the security challenges faced by India. He stressed that India’s security concerns are not merely regional issues but have wider implications for global peace and stability.
The EAM’s remarks resonated with many attendees, who acknowledged the validity of India’s concerns. Several panelists and delegates expressed support for India’s call for a more equitable application of international rules, particularly in the context of counter-terrorism.
The Raisina Dialogue, known for its open and frank discussions on global issues, provided a platform for India to articulate its position on the Kashmir issue and to highlight the challenges it faces in combating cross-border terrorism. Jaishankar’s address served as a powerful reminder that the fight against terrorism requires a unified and consistent global effort, one that is not swayed by political expediency or selective application of rules.
India’s message was clear: the international community must acknowledge the reality of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and take concrete steps to hold those responsible accountable. Only then can the world truly claim to be upholding a rules-based international order.
The EAM’s comments are likely to further fuel the ongoing debate on the effectiveness of the global counter-terrorism architecture and the need for a more equitable and inclusive approach to addressing security challenges. India continues to assert its position as a responsible and proactive stakeholder in the international system, while simultaneously demanding a fair and just application of global norms. This stance, as articulated at the Raisina Dialogue, will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of India’s foreign policy and its engagement with the world.
