| 24 June 2023
Pakistan has strongly criticized the United States and India following a meeting between US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House. The joint statement issued by the two leaders called on Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used as a base for militant attacks, which prompted a swift response from Pakistan's foreign ministry.
In a statement, Pakistan's foreign ministry described the joint US-Indian statement as "unwarranted, one-sided, and misleading." It further criticized the reference to Islamabad, claiming that it was "contrary to diplomatic norms." The joint statement issued by Biden and Modi expressed strong condemnation of cross-border terrorism and the use of terrorist proxies, urging Pakistan to take immediate action to prevent its territory from being used for launching terrorist attacks.
The issue of terrorism took center stage during Prime Minister Modi's address to a joint sitting of the US Congress in Washington. He emphasized the "pressing danger" posed by radicalism and terrorism, citing examples such as the 9/11 attacks and the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Modi's speech carried a strongly-worded message, leaving no room for ambiguity in dealing with terrorism.
"More than two decades after 9/11 and more than a decade after 26/11 in Mumbai, radicalism and terrorism still remain a pressing danger for the whole world. These ideologies keep taking new identities and forms, but their intentions remain the same," Prime Minister Modi emphasized.
The discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Biden also focused on cross-border terrorism and the challenges faced by both India and the US in the Indo-Pacific region. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra highlighted the significance of cooperation between the two countries in mitigating these challenges.
The US-India joint statement and Modi's address to Congress underscore the growing concern over terrorism and the need for international cooperation in combating this global menace. While the United States and India have called on Pakistan to take decisive action against terrorism, Pakistan's response suggests a deepening rift in the region's diplomatic relations.
The issue of terrorism in South Asia has long been a contentious one, with Pakistan often being accused of harboring and supporting militant groups. India, in particular, has repeatedly urged the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for its alleged role in cross-border terrorism.
As tensions escalate, it remains to be seen how Pakistan will respond to the joint statement and whether it will take concrete steps to address the concerns raised by the United States and India. The international community will be closely watching these developments, as the stability and security of the region greatly depend on effective counterterrorism measures and cooperation among all stakeholders.
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