New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, while addressing the ET World Leaders Forum on Saturday, cautioned against the US strengthening its ties with Pakistan, reminding Washington of its past with Islamabad including the fact that Osama bin Laden was found in the Pakistani garrison town of Abbottabad in 2011.
Responding to a question on closer US-Pakistan relations highlighted recently by President Donald Trump’s invitation to Pakistan Army chief Gen Asim Munir to the White House Jaishankar said the two nations “have a history, and a history of overlooking that history.” His remark drew applause from the audience.
“They issue certificates to each other, but let’s not forget it was the same military that sheltered Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad. When countries follow politics of convenience, this is what happens,” he remarked, noting that while such ties may serve tactical interests, India remains confident in its own relationship with the US based on strong foundations.
On Operation Sindoor, Jaishankar directly countered Trump’s claim that the US mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. He said the cessation of hostilities was a result of bilateral engagement between New Delhi and Islamabad, not American intervention.
“It is true that calls were made by the US and by other countries. That is standard practice during conflicts. Almost every call I received, especially American ones, is publicly recorded on my X account. But it is a completely different matter to claim that Washington negotiated the outcome. The ceasefire was agreed upon between India and Pakistan,” Jaishankar clarified.
Underscoring India’s approach, he added: “I respond to the situation of the day, but always with the awareness of the structural strengths and confidence in India’s ties with the US. That is what guides me.”