Will never allow terrorism to force India to negotiating table: Jaishankar

In a veiled criticism on Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday warned that terrorism cannot be used as a tactic to bring India on the “negotiation table”.

While speaking with the Indian diaspora in Cyprus, Jaishankar stated, without identifying Pakistan, “We would never accept it as normal. We will never be forced to negotiate because of terrorism. We desire to have nice neighbourly connections with everyone. However, excellent neighbourly ties do not imply tolerating, ignoring, or justifying terrorism. That is unmistakable.”

He continued, “The second factor is, of course, our boundaries. And we have difficulties at our borders. During the COVID period, border difficulties became more severe. And you are all aware that the current situation of our ties with China is not normal. They are not normal because we will not consent to any unilateral attempt to modify the Line of Actual Control (LAC). So, on the foreign policy and national security fronts, I can paint an image of toughness in diplomacy and international policy because that is what I am.”

When asked about India’s expectations, Jaishankar stated that there are many since New Delhi is considered as the one that solves problems. He went on to say that India is viewed as a country with a robust economy and independence.

According to Jaishankar, India is negotiating three agreements with Cyprus: a defence operations cooperation agreement, a migration and mobility agreement to allow lawful movement of persons between the two nations, and an agreement on the International Solar Alliance.