During a recent election rally in Uttarakhand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that India now boasts a robust government under his leadership, enabling the elimination of terrorists even within their homes.
Following Prime Minister Modi's remarks, the United States addressed the issue, particularly regarding the absence of sanctions on India. In a White House press conference, Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US Department of State, fielded questions about Prime Minister Modi's statement.
Miller was queried about Prime Minister Modi and the Defense Minister's election campaign promises, which indicated a willingness to cross borders and eliminate terrorists. This raised concerns, with some interpreting it as tacit approval of recent killings in various locations like Nijjar in Canada, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, and in Pakistan. The question sought to understand if this stance troubled the Biden administration.
In response, Miller reiterated the United States' stance of non-interference. He emphasized the importance of encouraging both India and Pakistan to prioritize dialogue and peaceful solutions to avoid escalating tensions.
Despite these diplomatic exchanges, questions remain about the absence of sanctions on India, especially when compared to past instances where foreigners committing killings on American soil faced repercussions. Miller refrained from providing direct commentary on sanction-related actions, clarifying that the absence of discussion did not necessarily imply the imposition of sanctions. However, he emphasized that discussions regarding sanctions were not typically conducted openly.
Recent days have witnessed India facing allegations of involvement in killings in Canada, America, and Pakistan, which India has officially denied. Against this backdrop, as election rallies gain momentum, leaders of the ruling BJP have been making assertive statements about taking action against terrorists across borders.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that terrorists should not assume immunity solely because they operate from across the border. He stressed that if terrorists violate rules, they cannot expect to be exempt from consequences.
Similarly, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh underscored India's commitment to responding strongly to any attempts by terrorists to disrupt peace, whether from neighboring countries or within India itself. He made it clear that if terrorists sought refuge in Pakistan, India would pursue them and neutralize the threat.
The statements made by Indian leaders reflect a firm stance against terrorism and a commitment to ensuring national security. However, they have also sparked debates and raised questions about the approach to counter-terrorism, especially concerning cross-border operations.
The responses from the United States indicate a diplomatic approach, emphasizing dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts between India and Pakistan. While the issue of imposing sanctions on India remains unanswered, it underscores the complexities and sensitivities involved in international relations, particularly concerning matters of security and sovereignty.
As political dynamics continue to evolve, the impact of these statements and diplomatic exchanges on bilateral relations and efforts towards regional stability and security remains to be seen.