New Delhi, April 15 – Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday accused Pakistan of playing a “double game” by supporting both the Taliban and its opponents during the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan, warning that the strategy ultimately backfired on Islamabad after the American withdrawal.
“Pakistan was playing a double game. It was with both the Taliban and also with the other side. But, when the Americans left, the double game could not be sustained,” Jaishankar said during an address at Charotar University of Science and Technology in Gujarat.
He said Pakistan’s strategy of backing militant groups in the region created a “terrorism industry” that eventually turned against it. “Whatever benefits they were getting out of the double game, that also went down. Moreover, the very terrorism industry they had promoted came back to bite them,” he added.
Jaishankar cited the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks as a pivotal moment that permanently damaged relations between India and Pakistan. “Indians collectively felt that such behaviour from a neighbouring country could no longer be tolerated,” he said, criticizing what he described as a lack of decisive action by the government in power at the time.
Drawing a contrast between the two South Asian rivals, Jaishankar said India had seen significant political and economic growth in the past decade, while Pakistan remained stuck in its “old playbook.”
“After 2014, when the government changed in India, Pakistan was given a firm message that there will be consequences if acts of terrorism are committed,” he said. “India has changed. I wish I could say Pakistan has changed too.” The minister’s remarks came shortly after the U.S. extradited Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, to India. The attacks killed 166 people, including six Americans.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington and New Delhi had long pursued justice for the victims. “We extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India to face charges for his role in planning the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks,” Rubio said. “I’m glad that day has come.” Responding to the extradition, Jaishankar said, “Appreciate the counter-terrorism cooperation between our two countries. This is indeed a big step in ensuring justice for the victims of 26/11 attacks.”
