“Pakistan’s Double Game with Taliban Backfired”: Jaishankar Slams Islamabad’s Terror Strategy

India’s External Affairs Minister accuses Pakistan of nurturing terrorism, says 26/11 was a turning point in bilateral ties

New Delhi, April 16, 2025 – External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar launched a scathing attack on Pakistan’s duplicity in regional terror dynamics, accusing Islamabad of “playing a double game” by supporting both the Taliban and opposing forces during the U.S. presence in Afghanistan.

“Pakistan was with both the Taliban and the other side. But when the Americans left, the double game could not be sustained,” said Jaishankar, speaking at Charotar University of Science and Technology in Gujarat.

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He asserted that Pakistan’s terror strategy had boomeranged, stating, “The very terrorism industry they promoted came back to bite them.”

Mumbai Attacks a Turning Point in India-Pakistan Ties

Citing the 2008 Mumbai attacks as a decisive rupture, Jaishankar said, “Indians collectively felt that such behavior from a neighboring country could no longer be tolerated.” He added that while the sentiment was strong in Indian society, it wasn’t fully reflected in the Indian government’s stance at the time.

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India Has Changed, Pakistan Hasn’t

Jaishankar underscored how India has evolved economically and diplomatically in the past decade, particularly since 2014. “After the government changed, Pakistan was given a firm message that there would be consequences for terrorism,” he stated.

He contrasted India’s upward trajectory with Pakistan’s stagnation: “I wish I could say Pakistan has changed too. Unfortunately, they are continuing their bad habits.”

In closing, Jaishankar said India had no reason to “waste precious time” on Pakistan, emphasizing New Delhi’s global rise and strategic focus.

Tahawwur Rana’s Extradition: A Step Toward Justice

His remarks follow the extradition of 26/11 plotter Tahawwur Rana from the U.S. to India. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move signaled justice for the 166 victims, including six Americans. Jaishankar welcomed the development, calling it “a big step in ensuring justice” and lauding Indo-U.S. counterterrorism cooperation.

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Tags: S Jaishankar, Pakistan Taliban relations, India Pakistan terrorism, 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Tahawwur Rana extradition, US India counterterrorism, Pakistan double game, Indian foreign policy