Jaishankar raises Pakistan-backed terrorism during bilateral talks with Poland

External affairs minister Dr S. Jaishankar on Monday met Poland’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister Radosław Sikorski in New Delhi for a one-day high-level bilateral discussion, during which he delivered a stern message on terrorism and regional security. Jaishankar urged Poland to take a firm stand against Pakistan-backed networks and stressed that countries should avoid providing any support, direct or indirect, to terrorist infrastructure in India’s neighbourhood.

In a rare on-camera exchange, Jaishankar said, “Poland should display zero tolerance for terrorism and not help fuel terrorist infrastructure in our neighbourhood.” He highlighted India’s long-standing concerns over cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and underscored that selective approaches to security issues cannot be accepted.

Explaining India’s position, Jaishankar noted that while some European countries, including Poland as part of EU forums, do not take a strong public line against Pakistan-backed terrorism, India has faced decades of attacks. “Principles cannot be applied selectively,” he said. “Diplomatic engagement, multilateral voting patterns, silence in international statements, or political narratives should not provide indirect cover to terrorist groups.”

He also addressed what he called the selective targeting of India on global issues, particularly its stance on the Ukraine conflict. “It is unfair that India is being selectively criticised in Ukraine. Our views have been articulated openly and transparently in international forums. India takes positions based on our interests, values, and assessment of global realities,” he said.

Welcoming Sikorski and his delegation, Jaishankar highlighted the growing strategic partnership between India and Poland, elevated during prime minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Warsaw in August 2024. Both sides agreed to review the 2024-28 action plan to expand cooperation across trade, investment, defence, clean technologies, digital innovation, and people-to-people ties. He also emphasised cultural and educational exchanges, noting strong historical links and the popularity of yoga and Indian studies in Poland.

Responding on camera, Sikorski said, “We agree to counter trans-border threats. Terrorism is a global challenge that affects many regions, including ours, and it requires cooperation and consistency from all responsible nations.” He described India as a key global and regional actor and expressed hope for deeper engagement and further high-level exchanges between the two countries.

This meeting underscored India’s determination to assert its position on terrorism while strengthening strategic, economic, and diplomatic ties with Poland amid evolving regional and international security challenges.