TO malign Pakistan, India always blows the trumpet of being the victim of terrorism. This narrative was reiterated by Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who stated that India seeks a solution to the issue of long-standing cross-border terrorism with Pakistan. While agreeing with the assertion that terrorism should not be the policy of a good neighbour, it is crucial that India looks inwardly at its own actions.
The fact of the matter is that Pakistan has been a victim of terrorism, enduring devastating attacks that have left thousands dead and countless others affected. The nation has repeatedly presented concrete evidence of external involvement in these terrorist activities, implicating India in several instances. Notable examples include the Lahore terrorist incident and the recent revelations of Indian involvement in the assassination of two Pakistani citizens. It is not only Pakistan but other nations are also making similar assertions against the country which is pursuing Hindutva ideology under Modi. The Canadian leadership has accused India of the assassination of a Sikh leader on their soil. Similarly, an attempt to kill another Sikh leader in the United States has further exposed India’s activities beyond its borders. Such actions challenge India’s narrative of being a victim of terrorism and point to its role as a perpetrator of such acts. Pakistan has always shown a willingness to engage in dialogue with India on all pertinent issues, including terrorism. Constructive dialogue is the most viable path to resolving such deep-rooted issues. However, for dialogue to be effective, it must occur in a conducive environment. This greater responsibility lies significantly with India which needs to reverse its unilateral and illegal actions in the illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. These actions escalated tension and impeded the possibility of a peaceful resolution. The creation of a stable and peaceful South Asia is in the interest of both the countries and the broader international community. It is time for India to move beyond the blame game and work towards a future where peace and stability prevail.
