Jaishankar Rules Out Dialogue with Pakistan, Cites Terrorism Concerns

Jaishankar delivers a strong message to Islamabad; here's his stance on India-Pakistan relations.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently threatened Pakistan by saying that India will no more continue the uninterrupted dialogue with western neighbor. During a book launch in Delhi, Jaishankar said, ‘There is always a price for it yes, actions have consequences’, while reiterating New Delhi’s formula that ‘meant for [terror and talks], neither shall be tolerated. ’ He clarified that Article 370 concerning Jammu and Kashmir is a closed matter and further said that India’s reaction to Pakistan would depend on further course of action. 

 

 Jaishankar’s comments came shortly after Pakistan invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO summit. The Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson also reiterated that invitations have been issued to all members of the SCO grouping including India though the latter seems to have till now remained non-committal. 

 

 Many Pakistani foreign policy analysts also share the same opinion and think that Modi would not be actually attending and the invite is just a formality. India may send a ministerial level delegation as Jaishankar did in the SCO summit held in Astana. 

 

 The SCO summit is planned to take place in Pakistan on the October 15-16 if some preparatory ministerial/most senior officials meetings. Last year, Pakistan’s then Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari himself had attended the SCO meeting held in India but he was given a Crane Treatment. While on that visit, Jaishankar condemned Pakistan for one being a terror sponsoring state and the other for doubting its credibility.