Why did Osama feel safe living for years in Pakistani military town, asks Jaishankar

Emphasising the need to counter terrorism, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar noted how Pakistan became a safe haven for globally recognised terrorist Osama Bin Laden following the devastating 9/11 attacks in the United States. The Indian diplomat made the remarks when asked about ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack .

Jaishankar dismantled the perception of the Western media in his interview with European news outlet Euractiv. The MEA noted that the ongoing tensions between the two nuclear-powered states are more than just a tussle between two nations. He warned that the persistence of terrorism would eventually come back to haunt the West as well.

“Let me remind you of something – there was a man named Osama bin Laden. Why did he, of all people, feel safe living for years in a Pakistani military town, right next to their equivalent of West Point?” Jaishankar asked when questioned about why India’s messaging to the world after the Pahalgam terror attack is “not cutting through”.

“I want the world to understand – this isn’t merely an India–Pakistan issue. It’s about terrorism. And that very same terrorism will eventually come back to haunt you,” he added.

The comments were made during Jaishankar’s visit to Belgium’s capital, Brussels , where he held talks with the leaders of the European Union. On Tuesday, he met EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen and EU Foreign Policy Minister Kaja Kallas as India and the EU negotiated the highly anticipated Free Trade Agreement.

Jaishankar stands by the old friend while recalling the past

During the interview, the EAM was asked why India is not being “judgmental enough” in calling out Russia as the aggressor in the ongoing war in Ukraine. In response to this, Jaishankar recalled how the West did not support India during its time of crisis in the past.

“We have a strong relationship with Ukraine as well – it’s not only about Russia. But every country, naturally, considers its own experience, history and interests,” Jaishankar said.

“India has the longest-standing grievance – our borders were violated just months after independence, when Pakistan sent in invaders to Kashmir. And the countries that were most supportive of that? Western countries.”

‘If those same countries – who were evasive or reticent then – now say ‘let’s have a great conversation about international principles’, I think I’m justified in asking them to reflect on their past," he added. When pressed further, Jaishankar made it clear that India does not believe “war can resolve differences.”

“We don’t believe that differences can be resolved through war – we don’t believe a solution will come from the battlefield. It’s not for us to prescribe what that solution should be. My point is, we’re not being prescriptive or judgemental – but we are also not uninvolved,” he concluded.