The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : India has strongly criticized Pakistan’s continued promotion and sponsorship of cross-border terrorism, calling it the biggest obstacle to peace and security in the region. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made this statement while addressing the media in New Delhi on Friday evening.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the global community is well aware of Pakistan’s active involvement in fostering terrorism. “The real issue is Pakistan’s persistent support for terrorism across the border. This remains the biggest hurdle to regional peace and security,” he said.
Speaking on the presence of radical preacher and fugitive Zakir Naik in Pakistan, Jaiswal highlighted that this was not the first time that Naik had received special treatment there. Naik, who is wanted in India for charges related to money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches, was recently seen in Pakistan, reportedly meeting top leaders.
“This clearly indicates the kind of support his hosts in Pakistan provide him and what it signifies in terms of their larger approach to sheltering individuals wanted for serious offenses in India,” Jaiswal added. Naik fled India in 2016 and has since been evading arrest, despite multiple requests for his extradition.
On another front, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held discussions with the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, focusing on security and defence cooperation. According to the MEA, Gabbard also met with India’s External Affairs Minister and the National Security Advisor, where key concerns related to anti-India activities abroad were raised.
India specifically conveyed its apprehensions about the presence of secessionist elements in Washington and urged the U.S. to take measures to prevent any anti-India propaganda from taking root on American soil.
Addressing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaiswal reiterated India’s consistent approach of advocating diplomatic engagement. “India has always supported sincere and practical dialogue between both parties and other key stakeholders to find a lasting resolution to the conflict,” he stated.
India has maintained a neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine war, urging peaceful negotiations while continuing its strategic partnerships with both nations. New Delhi has repeatedly emphasized that prolonged conflict does not serve the interests of global peace and stability.
On the subject of India-EU relations, Jaiswal confirmed that the President of the European Union recently visited India to strengthen bilateral cooperation. He highlighted that defence is becoming an increasingly significant area of engagement between India and the European Union.
India is actively looking to expand its defence exports and sees Europe as a key market for collaboration. “We hope to enhance our defence partnerships with the European Union and other European countries, ensuring mutually beneficial agreements in the sector,” Jaiswal remarked.
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