'Terror epicentre located so close to India': EAM S Jaishankar's veiled attack on Pakistan in Vienna

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday made a veiled attack on Pakistan for its constant support to cross-border terrorism and its deep links to the drugs and illegal weapons trade, as well as other forms of international crime.

Vienna: In an apparent dig at Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that the impacts of cross-border terrorism cannot be limited within a region, especially when they are deeply linked to the drugs and illegal weapons trade, as well as other forms of international crime. "…since the epicentre (of terrorism) is so close to India, our experiences and insights are naturally valuable to others," the External Affairs Minister added, without naming any countries.

EAM Jaishankar said this while addressing a joint press briefing with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, The EAM earlier spoke with Austrian leaders about threats to international peace posed by terrorism. Jaishankar said, "We spoke at length on the threats to international peace and security that are posed by terrorism, including its cross-border practices, violent extremism, radicalisation and fundamentalism." 

We spoke on the threats to international peace & security that are posed by terrorism, including its cross-border practices, violent extremism, radicalization and fundamentalism. Their effects cannot be contained within a region...: EAM Dr S Jaishankar (1/2) pic.twitter.com/ks5IHLwY5K — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2023

He added, "Their effects cannot be contained within a region especially so when they are deeply connected to narcotics and illegal weapons trade, and other forms of international crime. Since the epicentre is located so close to India, naturally our experiences and insights are useful to others."

...especially so when they are deeply connected to narcotics and illegal weapons trade, and other forms of international crime. Since the epicentre is located so close to India, naturally our experiences and insights are useful to others: EAM Dr S Jaishankar (2/2) — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2023

On the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Jaishankar said India is "deeply concerned" about the situation in Ukraine. Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s refrain that today`s era is not of war, the EAM called for resolving the differences on the negotiating table.

Jaishankar said that Prime Minister Modi has remained in contact with leaders of Russia and Ukraine and has been pressing India`s viewpoint. "With regard to the Ukraine conflict, let me underline that India remains deeply concerned we sincerely believe that this is not the era of war. Differences must be settled on the negotiating table. It is imperative that there is a return to dialogue and diplomacy. Prolonged conflict will not serve the interests of any party," Jaishankar said.

"My Prime Minister has been in contact with the leaders of both nations pressing our point of view in that regard. We are increasingly anxious about knock-on effects of the conflict in terms of accessibility and affordability of fuel, food and fertilizers this is a growing concern for the global south," he added.

Jaishankar embarked on a two-nation visit to Cyprus and Austria on December 29. His ongoing visit to Austria will conclude on January 3. In the joint press briefing with Schallenberg, Jaishankar further said India considers Austria as a "serious and consequential partner" when it comes to bilateral cooperation.

"We view Austria as a serious and consequential partner when it comes to bilateral cooperation. You have experiences and capabilities that are relevant to India`s modernisation and progress. These are guided by government policies but ultimately implemented through business transactions," Jaishankar said.

"Our commitment today is to take both aspects forward in tandem and I look forward to concrete initiatives in that regard," the EAM added. On the agreements between India and Austria, Jaishankar said, "We have concluded a number of agreements. I think a particularly noteworthy one is the initialising of the Comprehensive Migration & Mobility Partnership Agreement because it will enable demands for skills and talents to be synchronized with their availability."