External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has emphasised that India resolved the conflict with Pakistan for the moment through an understanding for cessation of firing and military action, and this was negotiated directly between the two countries. In an interview with a news channel in Denmark, Dr Jaishankar said the trigger for this was that India hit Pakistan very hard on the morning of the 10th of May. He said India had to grapple with a serious terrorist attack in April, and what followed was a consequence of that. He pointed out that the terrorists were based in the neighbouring country and operating with impunity and a high degree of state protection and support.
The External Affairs Minister highlighted that India has historically fended for itself, and it has been India’s preferred strategic positioning. Dr. Jaishankar said this is an era of global uncertainty and volatility, and India is dealing with it with a greater degree of equanimity. He also stressed that there is a greater need now for countries, regions and groupings to work with each other and ensure stability.
On the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Dr Jaishankar said the situation is certainly a source of concern for India and the entire world. He said the conflict has messed up the global energy situation and the food security of countries. He pointed out that India is one of the countries which have had violations of its sovereignty by its neighbours. He said Europe was very detached and cynical about it. Dr Jaishankar emphasised that it is a reality of the world, and those who are closer to the problem will have a much more passionate and emotional position. He said diplomacy is about finding common ground, and there cannot be an expectation that other nations will have identical responses.
The External Affairs Minister said Europe has to be more realist about the world, strategically more self-reliant and autonomous, and much more multipolar. He said one of the biggest objectives right now is to accelerate the Free Trade Agreement with Europe.
