Why don't European countries condemn it': External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Pakistan's terrorism

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said he could have used stronger words over his remarks on Pakistan terming it as a "terror hub" in view of its role in promoting cross-border terrorism. He also said that the world needs to be worried about terrorism. In an interview to Austrian national broadcaster ORF, Jaishankar, who has often described Pakistan as the "epicentre of terrorism", criticized European countries for not condemning it (terrorism) which has been going on for decades.Jaishankar said that you are a diplomat, it does not mean that you say things in a twisted way. He said, “I could have used stronger words than ‘Centre’. So believe that the center is a more diplomatic word considering what is happening with us. The Foreign Minister said this in response to a question on the use of the term 'epicenter of terrorism' for Pakistan.

Referring to Pakistan, he said, "It is a country which attacked India's Parliament a few years ago, which attacked the city of Mumbai, which attacked hotels and foreign tourists and which sends terrorists from across the border every day."

S Jaishankar said, “If terrorist bases are running in broad daylight in cities, recruitment and funding is happening then really you tell me, will the government of Pakistan not be aware of what is happening? Especially when military level training is being given. He said, “So when we talk about decisions and principles, why doesn't Europe strongly criticize this, which has been going on for decades.

Significantly, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had "open and productive" discussions on several regional and global situations with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg on Monday. The two sides signed a number of agreements including on immigration and ease of travel for Indian students and professionals. Jaishankar, who arrived here from Cyprus on the second leg of his two-nation tour, had also said that his wide-ranging talks with leaders of this country, including Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen and Chancellor Karl Nehmer, would "consolidate our relations with current global issues"but'' is very valuable in understanding the Austrian perspective.