Slams Pakistan on Cross-Border Terror
NEW DELHI: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed today that New Delhi remains actively engaged with the United States in discussions aimed at finalizing a trade deal, even as the country navigates complex global energy dynamics and sharply criticizes Pakistan on cross-border terrorism.
Addressing a media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that both sides are “continuing to hold discussions” on the trade issue.
On the matter of recent US sanctions on Russian oil companies, Mr. Jaiswal said the Indian side is “studying the implications” of the move. He reiterated India’s long-standing policy, stressing that decisions on energy sourcing “naturally take into account the evolving dynamics of the global market.”
The spokesperson emphasized that India’s position is guided by the imperative to “secure affordable energy from diverse sources” to meet the energy security needs of its 1.4 billion people.
Turning to the situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the MEA spokesperson delivered a strong rebuke to Islamabad.
He asserted that Pakistan is “infuriated with Afghanistan exercising sovereignty over its own territories,” and seems to believe it has the “right to practice cross-border terrorism with impunity,” which he termed “unacceptable” to its neighbours.
Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s position on Kabul, stating that New Delhi “remains fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan.”
He further highlighted India’s readiness to support Afghanistan in its sustainable water management, including on hydroelectric projects, citing the history of cooperation, specifically mentioning the Salma Dam in Herat province.
Regarding the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) involving India, the US, Japan, and Australia, Mr. Jaiswal described it as a “valuable forum for discussion on shared interests in a number of areas.” He clarified that any Leaders’ Summit is scheduled through “diplomatic consultations” among the four partner nations.
