Pakistan uniquely systematic in state-sponsored terrorism, says Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday characterized Pakistan as a singular case among nations for its systematic and sustained deployment of terrorism as an instrument of state policy against neighbouring countries.

"There is no other nation in the world that uses terrorism so systematically and in such a sustained manner to attack and put pressure on a neighbour," Jaishankar said at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum.

The minister's remarks underscore India's long-standing concerns about cross-border militant activity originating from Pakistan. His comments come at a time when New Delhi is recalibrating its diplomatic approach with Bangladesh following political upheaval in the neighbouring country.

On India-Bangladesh relations, Jaishankar emphasized that any bilateral partnership must satisfy the fundamental criterion of mutual interest. "For any relationship to work, it has to meet the test of mutual interest. It has to work for us," he said, declining to address Dhaka's extradition demand regarding former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

The two countries continue back-channel discussions regarding a proposed visit by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India, with both sides exploring the feasibility of the high-level engagement. The visit remains a significant barometer of the trajectory of bilateral ties in the post-transition period.