Jaishankar sets rules of engagement with Pakistan

ISLAMABAD:

A day after an exchange of messages between the leadership of Pakistan and India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday outlined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strategy to deal with Pakistan and China during his third term.

Jaishankar, who returned to Modi’s cabinet as foreign minister, said the country’s foreign policy under the third term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will prioritise finding solutions to long-standing “border issues” with Beijing and the “years-old cross-border terrorism” allegedly emanating from Islamabad.

Ahead of assuming charge on Tuesday after being sworn in for his second stint as the country’s foreign minister, the former diplomat-turned-politician noted that both neighbouring countries present unique challenges, and India’s relations with them require tailored strategies,
 

according to the state-run Indian TV.

Addressing the issue of alleged cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan, the 69-year-old minister emphasised India’s determination to seek a resolution. “With Pakistan, we would want to find a solution to the issue of years-old cross-border terrorism,” Jaishankar said.

His remarks came a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his elder brother Nawaz Sharif congratulated Modi on his election victory and returning as the country’s Prime Minister for the record third term.

While Shehbaz’s message was terse, reflecting the current state of relationship, the three-time former prime minister Nawaz was more explicit in his felicitation message.

Nawaz said Modi’s re-election as prime minister reflected trust in his leadership. The former prime minister then offered Modi to replace hate with hope.

“My warm felicitations to Modi ji on assuming the office for the third time,” Sharif said in a message shared on his official X handle on Monday. “Your party’s success in recent elections reflects the confidence of the people in your leadership.” “Let us replace hate with hope and seize the opportunity to shape the destiny of the two billion people of South Asia.”

Within hours of Nawaz’s tweet, Modi responded both to Prime Minister Shehbaz and the PML-N president. Interestingly, responding to Shehbaz’s tweet, Modi kept his response brief. He thanked him for good wishes.

However, Modi was more forthcoming in responding to elder Sharif, with whom he enjoyed a good relationship during his first term as Indian prime minister. “Appreciate your @NawazSharif message. The people of India have always stood for peace and security and progressive ideas. Advancing the well-being and security of our people should always remain our priority,” Modi wrote on twitter responding to Nawaz’s felicitation message.

Jaishankar’s latest statement was continuation of India’s approach, linking any normalisation with Pakistan stopping alleged cross border terrorism.

On India’s approach toward China, Jaishankar stated, “Our focus with regard to China will be on finding a solution to the border issues.” This statement signals India’s commitment to resolving territorial disputes through dialogue and diplomatic channels.

Observers believe that India has a different approach in dealing with China and Pakistan. New Delhi has border issues with both of its neighbours but it is seeking dialogue with Beijing while pushing for no engagement policy with Islamabad.