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Jaishankar’s comments come at a time when ties between the US and Pakistan have significantly improved in recent months
EAM S Jaishankar (PTI file photo)
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday took a swipe at Washington over its growing closeness with Islamabad, subtly reminding the US that Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, was found hiding in a Pakistani military town.
Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum, Jaishankar said the United States often chooses to overlook its own history with Pakistan when it suits its political interests.
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Referring to the 2011 killing of Bin Laden in Abbottabad, he criticised the US for trusting the same military that had allowed one of the world’s most wanted terrorists to live right under its nose.
“They have a history with each other. And they have a history of overlooking that history. It’s not the first time we have seen things,” Jaishankar remarked.
“The interesting thing is that when you look sometimes at the certificates that say somebody in the military will give, it’s the same military which went into Abbottabad and found you know who there,” he added.
The Foreign Minister further stated that the issue arises when countries become too focused on engaging in the “politics of convenience”.
“So the issue, in a way, is when countries are very focused on doing the politics of convenience. They keep trying to do this. Some of it can be tactical, some of it can have other benefits or calculations,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, Jaishankar criticised the US for targeting India’s energy ties with Russia, questioning why a similar approach had not been taken with China or the European Union, which are among the largest importers of Russian crude oil and LNG, respectively.
He also made it clear that India does not accept mediation in its relations with Pakistan and that there has been a national consensus on this stance for more than 50 years. His remarks came amid US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims that he defused the India-Pakistan military conflict in May.
Jaishankar highlighted trade and tariffs, India’s procurement of Russian crude oil, and Washington’s position on the India-Pakistan conflict as the three main issues currently straining relations between New Delhi and Washington.
Relations between the two countries have been strained after Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, including a 25 per cent additional duty on India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. The 25 per cent tariff had already come into effect, with further levies due from August 27.
(With inputs from agencies)
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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