S Jaishankar: 2008 Mumbai Attacks Shifted India-Pakistan Relations
The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks marked a significant shift in India's approach to Pakistan, with India's tolerance for Pakistan's behavior decreasing significantly. Pakistan's role in promoting terrorism and its double-dealing in Afghanistan have been major points of contention, with India advising against engaging with Pakistan and instead focusing on its own progress and development.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has stated that the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks marked a significant turning point in India-Pakistan relations, highlighting a shift in India's tolerance for Pakistan's behavior and its role in promoting terrorism. Jaishankar emphasized that Pakistan's double-dealing in Afghanistan and persistent "bad habits" have been detrimental to the region.
Jaishankar criticized Pakistan's actions, stating that the country played a double game with the Taliban and other parties involved in Afghanistan. However, when the US withdrew from Afghanistan, Pakistan's double game could no longer be sustained. He also pointed out that Pakistan's promotion of the terrorism industry in the region ultimately backfired, causing harm to itself.
The 2008 Mumbai terror attack is seen as a pivotal moment in the relations between India and Pakistan, which never fully recovered. Jaishankar noted that India has undergone significant changes and improvements since 2014, while Pakistan has continued to rely on its old strategies. He advised against wasting time on Pakistan, emphasizing that India has made considerable progress and moved forward.
Jaishankar's statements underscore the complexities and challenges in the India-Pakistan relationship, highlighting the need for a more constructive and peaceful approach. His emphasis on academic excellence and the importance of a nation's universities as indicators of progress and strength also underscores the significance of education and development in shaping a country's future.