S. Jaishankar in the Netherlands: Pakistan’s Role in Terror Attacks Exposed, India Justifies Strikes After Pahalgam Attack
- MGMMTeam
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
During his diplomatic visit to the Netherlands, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar delivered a searing indictment of Pakistan’s long-standing role in harboring and promoting terrorism aimed at destabilizing India. In a series of interviews with Dutch media, Jaishankar not only defended India’s recent military response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack but also laid bare Pakistan’s double game in the global war on terror.
Pakistan’s “Open and Active” Terror Infrastructure
In an interview with Dutch national daily De Volkskrant, Jaishankar was asked about the Indian government’s view on Pakistan’s denial of links to terror groups that operate from its soil. His reply was unambiguous: “I am not suggesting it — I am stating it.”
He went on to underscore the implausibility of Pakistan's persistent denial by drawing a sharp analogy: “Suppose there were military centres in the middle of Amsterdam, in which tens of thousands gather for military training. Would you say your government knows nothing about that?”
Jaishankar’s remark made it clear that India believes Pakistan’s military and intelligence establishment knowingly nurtures militant outfits such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen, many of which are internationally designated terrorist organizations.
The Pahalgam Massacre and “Operation Sindoor”
On April 22, 2025, a deadly terrorist attack in the Pahalgam area of Jammu and Kashmir claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including women and children. According to Indian intelligence, the attackers were affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed and had infiltrated from across the border.
In a separate interview with Dutch broadcaster NOS, Jaishankar linked the attack ideologically to Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir. He alleged that Munir’s “hardline religious worldview” was emboldening radical groups and shaping cross-border terrorism policy.
In response to the Pahalgam carnage, the Indian military launched a retaliatory mission on May 7 named “Operation Sindoor.” The operation involved 24 precision missile strikes on nine terror camps and launchpads located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Indian security agencies claim over 100 militants were eliminated, severely degrading the operational capacity of the targeted groups. “These groups do not act alone. They are protected, armed, and funded by the Pakistani state. India cannot and will not remain silent,” said an Indian defense official under condition of anonymity.
Ceasefire Agreement After Escalation
Following the strikes, military hotlines between India and Pakistan buzzed with tension until May 10, when both sides agreed to a ceasefire after conversations between their Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO). While hostilities paused, Jaishankar cautioned that peace cannot come without accountability and dismantling of terrorist infrastructure.
Indo-Dutch Ties Strengthened
While counter-terrorism dominated the headlines, Jaishankar also met with his Dutch counterpart to discuss strengthening bilateral relations in trade, digital innovation, climate resilience, and clean energy. The Netherlands remains India’s second-largest trading partner in the EU.
Jaishankar also addressed the Indian diaspora in The Hague, praising their contributions to strengthening India’s cultural and economic ties with Europe.
Background: A Pattern of Denial and Global Concern
This is not the first time India has raised concerns about Pakistan's role in terrorism. Global institutions including the United Nations, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and several Western governments have repeatedly criticized Pakistan for failing to curb extremist elements operating within its territory.
India has shifted from diplomatic restraint to proactive defense — including the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes — in response to major terror incidents.
Conclusion
Jaishankar’s direct tone in Europe, especially his hard-hitting Amsterdam comparison, signals that India is not merely seeking sympathy from the international community but is instead asserting its right to self-defense. With Operation Sindoor, India has redefined the cost of cross-border terrorism and issued a warning to all actors who shelter or sponsor it.
(Sources: NDTV, The Hindu, India Today)
Comments