FO rejects 'one-sided and misleading' joint statement by India and US

FO criticises statement for failing to address India’s non-compliance with United Nations Security Council resolutions

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Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) on Friday dismissed the joint statement issued by India and the United States as “one-sided, misleading, and contrary to diplomatic norms.”

The statement, released following a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, accused Pakistan of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attacks and alleged that the country of “supported extremism.”

At a weekly press briefing, FO spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan responded to the allegations, stating, “We consider the Pakistan-specific reference in the Indo-US joint statement of Feb 13 as one-sided, misleading and contrary to diplomatic norms.” He expressed surprise that the reference was included, given Pakistan’s extensive counter-terrorism cooperation with the US.

Khan further pointed out that such references could not conceal India’s role in fostering terrorism, subversion, and extrajudicial killings in the region.

“These attempts cannot divert international attention from India being a safe haven for perpetrators of hate crimes against Muslims and other minorities,” he said.

The spokesperson also criticised the statement for failing to address India’s non-compliance with United Nations Security Council resolutions, which Khan argued is a key source of regional instability. He added that the statement overlooked the "grim human rights situation" in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Regrettably, this is tantamount to abdication of international responsibility," he said, stressing that the international community acknowledges Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices in fighting terrorism.

As a nation severely impacted by terrorism, Pakistan remains committed to regional and global efforts to promote peace and stability, Khan affirmed. “We will continue to contribute to the fight against terrorism and remain dedicated to eliminating this scourge,” he added.

The FO spokesperson also raised concerns about the United States’ increasing military sales to India. He warned that the transfer of military technology to India would worsen the military imbalance in South Asia, undermining regional stability. "Such steps are unhelpful in achieving durable peace in South Asia,” he said, urging international partners to adopt a more objective and comprehensive view of the region’s security situation.

Trump announces US approval for extradition of Mumbai attack suspect

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday that the US had approved the extradition of a suspect in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, which resulted in the deaths of 166 people. Speaking alongside Indian Prime Minister Modi at the White House, Trump stated, "I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters and one of the very evil people of the world, having to do with the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack."

Trump did not name the individual at the time, but the joint statement later identified him as Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-origin Chicago businessman and Canadian citizen. Rana, who had previously been sentenced to US federal prison for providing support to the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, is expected to face justice in India for his involvement in the attacks.

The joint statement also called on Pakistan to “bring to justice those accused of extremist attacks against India and prevent its territory from being used for extremism.” Pakistan has consistently denied accusations of supporting extremism.

The US Supreme Court recently rejected Rana’s appeal against his extradition, and he is now set to be handed over to Indian authorities.

During the press conference, Trump was also asked about the issue of Sikh separatists in the US, a matter India views as a security threat. Trump did not provide a direct answer, but noted that the US and India work together on crime issues. This issue has become a point of tension in US-India relations, particularly since 2023, as India has reportedly targeted Sikh separatists in the US and Canada.

The US has accused an Indian intelligence officer in connection with a foiled plot in the US, a situation that India is still investigating.