Jaishankar invokes 26/11 terror attacks in talks with US envoy Rubio

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has used a high-level meeting with US State Secretary Marco Rubio to underscore the ongoing threat of Pakistan-backed terrorism in South Asia, referencing the 2008 Mumbai attacks as a key point of discussion.

The reference to the 26/11 terror attacks, which killed 166 people across Mumbai, served as a pointed reminder to the American diplomat of the cross-border terrorism challenges India faces. The attacks, carried out by Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, remain a defining moment in India's contemporary security history and a touchstone in diplomatic discussions on regional stability.

The meeting between Jaishankar and Rubio reflects India's efforts to engage the incoming US administration on counterterrorism cooperation and the need for sustained international pressure on Pakistan regarding militant activities. Such references in bilateral dialogues underscore New Delhi's consistent position on the need for accountability and action against terror networks operating from Pakistani soil.

The discussion aligns with India's broader diplomatic strategy of keeping Pakistan-sponsored terrorism on the international agenda, particularly during engagements with strategic partners like the United States. Officials have maintained that addressing terror threats remains critical to regional peace and development in South Asia.