'If you come and do something here...': Jaishankar on India's 'message' against terrorism after Uri and Pulwama terror attacks

NEW DELHI: In a poignant reflection on India's stance against terrorism, external affairs minister S Jaishankar underscored the nation's resolute message through surgical strikes and airstrikes in response to terror attacks like those in Uri and Pulwama.
Speaking at an event titled 'India's Vishwabandhu Approach to Global Relations' at Mumbai's Constitution Club, Jaishankar invoked the memory of the tragic 26/11 Mumbai attacks while highlighting the subsequent strategic actions undertaken by India.
Addressing the audience, Jaishankar acknowledged the world's sympathy towards India in the aftermath of the 26/11 attacks but noted a reluctance to escalate tensions with Islamabad. He attributed this global sentiment to India's failure to effectively convey the imperative of combating terrorism as a shared global threat.
"When 26/11 happened you all know what our response was or to be very frank, what our non-response was. But you also know that our response was very different in Uri and Balakot. And there was a reason. Because Uri was across the Line of Control and Balakot was across the international boundary," Jaishankar said addressing the event. "So the message was, if you come and do something here, you may be across the LoC, you may be across the international boundary- we will still come and get you there," he added.
Reflecting on India's response, Jaishankar juxtaposed the restrained approach following 26/11 with the decisive actions taken after subsequent attacks. He emphasized that India's retaliatory measures in Uri and Balakot sent a clear message that perpetrators of terrorism would not find safe havens across borders.
The EAM further said that India had not lobbied the world against terrorism and couldn't make them understand that anyone can be the victim of the menace.
"Now, I want you to think for a moment, about the reaction of the world. When 26/11 happened, everybody said yes very bad, we sympathize with you...but do not create tensions with Pakistan. Because we had not lobbied the world, we had not made the world understand what terrorism is, it is a danger for all...Today, it is my turn, tomorrow it will be yours," the EAM said.
The Mumbai attacks of November 26, 2008, perpetrated by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed the lives of over 166 individuals and left hundreds injured. In response to subsequent attacks, India conducted a surgical strike in 2016 targeting terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after the Uri attack, and an airstrike in 2019 against Pakistani terror camps in Balakot following the Pulwama attack.
Jaishankar lamented the lack of concerted efforts to lobby against terrorism globally, emphasizing the need to delegitimize terrorism and garner international support for decisive action.
Highlighting India's evolving global stance, Jaishankar emphasized the concept of 'Vishwa Bandhu', suggesting that a country's ability to rally international support strengthens its position in global affairs. He underscored the importance of effectively conveying India's perspective to the world, noting the stark contrast in global reactions to different instances of terrorist aggression.
"By the time from 2008, we had reached 2016 actually. We did Uri (surgical strikes) and the world said the Indians did what the Indians had to do. We did Balakot (Air strikes)...- Why was it that the world was understanding about Uri and Balakot, but the world was so tense, or I would say, indifferent on 26/11 because a lot of people sympathized with us, but stopped there," the EAM said.
"And the reason is that we had not made that effort to delegitimize terrorism, to convince the world...Being Vishwa Bandhu, if you are able to carry the world with your viewpoint, you are that much stronger, you have that ability," he added.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar engaged with various stakeholders in Mumbai, including investors, students, and social media influencers. Emphasizing the need for a strong and experienced government, he stressed the importance of making informed decisions to propel India towards its envisioned future.