Jaishankar rips into 'democratic' Europe: ‘No one supported military regime in Pakistan like West’

Jaishankar is in Berlin in the concluding leg of his three-nation tour to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany.

Emphasising that India supports sovereignty of countries and internationally recognised borders, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said no one has supported the military regime in Pakistan like the West.

The minister made the comments while speaking to German news outlet Politiken. Currently,  the minister is in Berlin in the concluding leg of his three-nation tour to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany.

“Our borders have been violated by Pakistan in Kashmir ever since our independence in 1947. And what have we seen in the eight decades since then? That large, democratic Europe, to use your own term, has stood side by side with military dictatorships in the region. No one has supported the military regime - and undermined democracy in Pakistan in so many ways - as much as the West,” he said.

According to him, his view of Europe is shaped by his own experiences. “You talk about the inviolability of borders - well, why don’t we start with the inviolability of my borders? That’s where my world begins. But we’ve always been told that we had to solve that ourselves,” he said.

India has always questioned the role of Pakistan’s military establishment in cross-border terrorism. According to India, Islamabad’s power structure is dominated by the army, which enables terror groups to operate with impunity in the Kashmir valley, Afghanistan and across the subcontinent.

During meetings with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other top officials, Jaishankar discussed deepening the strategic partnership, counter-terrorism cooperation, resilient supply chains and global security challenges.

"Honoured to meet Chancellor Friedrich Merz today in Berlin. Conveyed the best wishes of PM @narendramodi. Look forward to working with his government to elevate and expand our Strategic Partnership. Appreciate Germany’s solidarity as India counters the challenge of terrorism," Jaishankar posted on X.

He also met Minister of Economy and Energy Katherina Reiche. "Discussed ways to enhance our talent linkages, industry partnership and joint collaboration to build more resilient supply chains," Jaishankar said.

He also held a "good conversation" with Gunter Sautter, Foreign & Security Policy Advisor to Merz.
"Exchanged perspectives on major global issues, including combatting terrorism. Our deepening partnership is an important factor of stability in an uncertain world. We will also work together to strengthen resilience and trust," Jaishankar said.

On Thursday, Jaishankar held a "good interaction" with members of the German Bundestag (Parliament), and appreciated their strong support for the continued growth of India-Germany relations.

"Also discussed with them India’s firm commitment to combatting terrorism in all forms and manifestations," Jaishankar said.