During his visit to Belgium, EAM Jaishankar exposed Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism and highlighted India’s resolve to eliminate cross-border threats. He also emphasized growing India-Europe ties, economic cooperation, and the Indian diaspora’s role, marking a significant moment in India’s evolving global diplomacy.
During his official visit to Belgium as part of a broader European tour, India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar delivered a pointed and strategic message to both the Indian diaspora and the international community. He laid bare the persistent challenge of cross-border terrorism faced by India, particularly emphasizing Pakistan’s role in nurturing and deploying terrorism as a tool of state policy.
Speaking to the Indian community in Belgium and Luxembourg, Jaishankar highlighted the consistent efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in countering terrorism and ensuring the nation’s progress. Stressing that terrorism is not a localized issue but a global concern, he stated, “Terrorism is not a particular country’s problem. This is a challenge for everyone.” However, what differentiates India’s experience, he explained, is the involvement of a neighbouring country—Pakistan—that uses terrorism as an overt instrument of policy. “It is very rare to have a country that openly uses it as a state policy,” he asserted, calling out Pakistan’s complicity in cross-border terrorism.
The EAM made particular reference to Operation Sindoor, a recent Indian counterterrorism initiative aimed at targeting terrorist hubs in Pakistan. “Focus of Operation Sindoor was to hit Muridke and Bahawalpur, the two most prominent and openly declared notorious centres of terrorism in Pakistan,” he revealed. These locations have long been breeding grounds for extremist activity and responsible for numerous attacks on Indian soil. Jaishankar emphasized that this time, India has sent a strong and decisive message—India will find and neutralize terrorists, no matter where they hide.
While highlighting the persistent threat posed by rogue elements and their sponsors, Jaishankar also shifted focus to India’s expanding global role and the importance of stronger bilateral ties with Europe. Addressing the evolving dynamics in the region, he said, “There is much sharper interest in Europe to build stronger ties with India.” He noted that India and Belgium have always maintained cordial diplomatic relations, but now there is a concerted effort to deepen cooperation—especially in areas like economic engagement, technological innovation, and green energy.
Jaishankar underscored that India is looking beyond traditional political diplomacy and is now focusing on strengthening people-to-people linkages, trade, and sustainable partnerships. “Our effort now is not just to be satisfied with what we have, but to intensify our cooperation,” he said. He also reflected on the concept of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and drew an interesting parallel with the emerging notion of an Atmanirbhar Europe. “Europe realises that there are many problems that have to be addressed by Europe itself… they have to stand more on their own feet,” he explained, implying that this common direction offers a strong foundation for deeper India-Europe collaboration.
In a heartfelt message to the Indian diaspora, Jaishankar praised their contributions to societies across the globe. “Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the Government of India has put special value on the Indian diaspora. We see you as a key to our interaction with the world,” he remarked, reinforcing the government’s commitment to engaging overseas Indians as stakeholders in India’s international strategy.
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EAM Jaishankar’s official visit, which runs from June 8 to 14 and includes stops in France, the EU, and Belgium, aims to build momentum in India’s international partnerships. During his time in Belgium, he also held discussions with his Belgian counterpart to further bolster ties.
India and Belgium already collaborate across multiple sectors, including trade and investment, pharmaceuticals, green technologies, and the diamond industry. With both countries committed to deepening their relationship, Jaishankar’s visit could pave the way for stronger alignment on economic, security, and strategic interests in a rapidly changing global landscape.
