Jaishankar says sympathy for terror unacceptable, spells out India's position on US-Pakistan ties

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is on a visit to the United States at the invitation of the Asia Society. His speech on Monday is being widely discussed in political circles because he addressed the growing closeness between the US and Pakistan.

Pakistan has itself suffered the heat of terrorism for years, yet it continues to promote it. The US is helping it from behind the scenes, and everyone knows this. The recent cowardly attack in Pulwama, Kashmir, has further strained relations between India and Pakistan. The US and China also use Pakistan to keep India constantly troubled.

In this context, a statement by Trump has been recalled. Trump once said openly that the US would not repeat with India the mistake it made by taking China lightly. Jaishankar has given the US a similarly blunt message.

The speech comes against a backdrop of India-US relations not being particularly good over the past year and a half. Political analysts in India say Trump's rigid thinking is responsible.

India's stand on terrorism is clear. It has opposed terrorism at every forum in the world from time to time, because it has paid the price. Indian citizens are still losing their lives in terror acts by Pakistan, and the Indian Army has given a fitting reply to terrorists from time to time. Jaishankar said India's security concerns and the issue of cross-border terrorism are important in relations with the US.

India's position is that Pakistan-linked terrorism is not merely a regional matter but one that concerns India's national security. India wants the US to take the issue more seriously. It also wants the US to oppose terrorism honestly and not define terrorism to suit its convenience.

Trade, defence and technology cooperation are important areas in India-US ties. But if differences between the two countries over terrorism grow, relations could be affected. India has consistently raised the issue of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan and wants the US to take its security concerns into account. India is also keeping a close watch on US policy towards Pakistan.

Growing differences over security questions could create diplomatic tension. There is also discussion of the possible impact on defence cooperation and the strategic partnership. For now, however, several important areas of cooperation remain in India-US relations.