KARACHI: Indian Minister for External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has said his country wants to “find a solution to the issue of years-old cross-border terrorism” with Pakistan, Dawn.com reported.

The statement came a day after the Indian premier reiterated his “security” mantra in response to the ruling PML-N president Nawaz Sharif’s congratulatory message for Narendra Modi on becoming prime minister and expressing desire for “collective peace in South Asia”.

“But relations and problems with China and Pakistan were different,” Jaishankar told reporters, after assuming charge for a second straight term on Tuesday.

“With Pakistan, we would want to find a solution to the issue of years-old cross-border terrorism. That cannot be the policy of a good neighbour,” Reuters quotes the minister as saying soon after assuming office for another term.

Indian FM’s remarks reaffirm Modi’s ‘security’ mantra in reply to Sharif bros’ peace overtures

On Monday, leaders of the two countries engaged in diplomacy via X.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as well as PML-N president Nawaz Sharif, congratulated Modi. The exchange was initiated by PM Shehbaz, who extended a succinct congratulatory message on X.

The exchange between the leaders expanded with a more “personalised” message from Nawaz Sharif, who heads the ruling PML-N and had also attended PM Modi’s first inauguration in 2014. His congratulatory note exuded warmth, as well as, a desire for collective peace in South Asia. “My warm felicitations to Modi Ji (@narendramodi) on assuming office for the third time. Your party’s success in recent elections reflects the confidence of the people in your leadership,” he posted. He further encouraged a hopeful outlook: “Let us replace hate with hope and seize the opportunity to shape the destiny of the two billion people of South Asia.”

The gesture was, however, not reciprocated by the Indian premier, who did “appreciate” the message but chose to stick to his “security” mantra. PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to peace but linked it to a strong stance on security, especially in the context of Delhi’s allega­tions of cross-border terrorism. “Appreciate your message @NawazSharifMNS. The people of India have always stood for peace, security, and progressive ideas. Advancing the well-being and security of our people shall always remain our priority,” he replied.

On ties with China, the minister for external affairs told reporters that India would focus on finding solutions to the border issues with China that had long strained ties between the neighbouring countries.

“With regards to China there are still some issues at the border and our focus will be on how to solve them,” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2024