S. Jaishankar visits the United States of America amid the global rise in coronavirus cases to discuss bilateral issues concerning both nations. S. Jaishankar in conversation with former US National Security Advisor General HR McMaster commented on India-Pakistan relations since 1947.
Regarding the India-Pakistan line of control (LoC), he said the ceasefire is a ‘good step’ but there are other bigger issues that are of concern to both the neighboring nations. He said that ‘infiltration’ is the reason for firing and if there is no such Infiltration from another side there is obviously no reason to fire.
The two nations agreed to stop flouting the ceasefire along the LoC in February. After two days of the agreement, India even allowed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s aircraft to use its airspace to visit Sri Lanka.
Earlier Modi wrote to Khan that India desires, ‘cordial relations’ with Pakistan. Jaishankar said that India is very clear on its stand against terrorism and the nation believes that terrorism can not be accepted as a legitimate way in diplomacy or any statecraft. He pointed out the cross-border terrorism that Pakistan legitimizes and how it has impacted their own society.
The relationship between India and Pakistan has deteriorated over time. The 2016 terror strikes on the Indian Air Force base at Pathankot in Punjab and the subsequent retaliation from India damaged the relationship. The 2019 Pulwama attack and then the Balakot strike deepened the escalating tensions.
Jaishankar added, “Terrorism has been an arm of the Pakistan States foreign policy essentially as since 1947.”