Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 6: External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Saturday stated that a significant portion of India’s security challenges, particularly terrorism, originates from Pakistan’s military, asserting that while the threat persists, India is prepared to address it.

Speaking to at the HT Leadership Summit, Jaishankar said ideological hostility toward India largely stems from Pakistan’s army.

“When you look at terrorism, the training camps, the policy of almost ideological hostility towards India, where does that come from? It comes from the army,” he said. “At the end of the day, look at the state of Pakistan, see the differentials and capabilities, and frankly, the reputation on either side. We should not get over-obsessed and hyphenate ourselves with them.”

On Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, Jaishankar commented, “Like there are good terrorists and bad terrorists, there are good military leaders and not-so-good ones.”

Addressing India’s targeted military response, Operation Sindoor, against high-value terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the Pahalgam attack, the minister explained that India operates under a unique framework of norms and accountability.

“When it comes to India, there are things we do and things we don’t. We have rules, norms. Any step we take, we are accountable to the people, media, and civil society. Comparing ourselves with them would be unfair and unjust to our system,” he said.

Jaishankar also touched upon former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who arrived in India in August last year following the collapse of her government amid violent unrest. Recently, she was sentenced to death in absentia in Dhaka for “crimes against humanity” related to her handling of student protests.

Asked whether Hasina could remain in India indefinitely, Jaishankar said, “She came here under certain circumstances, which are a factor in her stay. But ultimately, that is a decision she has to make herself.”

On India-Bangladesh relations, Jaishankar expressed optimism, emphasizing India’s respect for democratic processes in its neighbour. “We wish Bangladesh well. As a democratic country, any nation likes to see the will of the people expressed through a democratic process. I am confident that the outcome will reflect a balanced and mature view of the relationship, and hopefully, things will improve,” he added.