 "‘Epicentre of turmoil for world:’ PM Modi slams Pakistan’s ‘terrorist mindset’, hopes it mends ways")
Indian PM Narendra Modi has blamed Pakistan’s terrorist mindset for differences between New Delhi and Islamabad, saying Pakistan was the epicentre of turmoil for the whole world.
He was speaking during a podcast with US-based podcaster and AI researcher Lex Fridman. It’s just second time in his political career that PM Modi has appeared on a podcast.
When asked about India’s ties with Pakistan, the Indian PM said a change in attitude was required by the Islamic nation for improvement in relations.
He warned not to confuse strong ideological differences with the terrorist mindset and state-sponsored terrorism.
He reflected on the painful partition of the two nations following India’s independence in 1947, stating that Pakistan got what it wanted. He also stressed that India was not the only victim of this extremist ideology.
“Don’t mistake this for ideology. What kind of ideology thrives on bloodshed and the export of terror, and we are not the sole victims of this menace. Wherever terror strikes in the world, the trail somehow leads to Pakistan. Let’s take the September 11th attacks, for example. The main mastermind behind it, Osama bin Laden, where did he eventually emerge from? He had taken refuge in Pakistan," PM Modi said.
“The world has recognised that in a way terrorism and the terrorist mindset are deeply rooted in Pakistan. Today, it stands as an epicentre of turmoil, not just for India but for the world. And we have repeatedly asked them what good can come from this path? We have urged them to abandon the path of state-sponsored terrorism for good, “What do you hope to gain by surrendering your nation to lawless forces?" I even personally travelled to Lahore in the pursuit of peace," he said.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsPM Modi’s efforts to improve Indo-Pak ties
PM Modi recalled his efforts to improve ties with the hostile neighbour, saying that when he became prime minister in 2014, he specially invited Pakistan to his swearing-in ceremony in hopes of starting a new chapter between the two nations.
“Yet, every noble attempt at fostering peace was met with hostility and betrayal. We sincerely hope that wisdom prevails upon them and they choose the path of peace. I believe even the people of Pakistan long for peace because even they must be weary of living in strife and unrest, they must have grown weary of relentless terror where even innocent children are killed and countless lives are destroyed."
“The very people who once questioned my approach to foreign policy were taken aback when they learned I had invited all SAARC heads of state and our then president, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee beautifully captured that historic gesture in his memoir. This was a testament to how clear and confident India’s foreign policy had become. This sent a clear message to the world about India’s commitment to peace and harmony, but we didn’t get the desired outcome," he shared.
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