'Could use harsher words...' Jaishankar on Pak 'epicentre of terrorism' phrase

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that he could have used much harsher words than epicentre for Pakistan for its role in promoting crossborder terrorism as he underlined that the world needs to be concerned about terrorismJaishankar who has often described Pakistan as the epicentre of terrorism in an interview to Austrias national broadcaster ORF on Monday also criticised European nations for not condemning the terrorism practices that have been going on for multiple decadesBecause you are a diplomat doesnt mean you are untruthful I could use much harsher words than epicentre So believe me considering what has been happening to us I think epicentre is a very diplomatic word he said while responding to a question on using the word epicentre of terrorism for PakistanAlso read India and Pakistan exchange list of nuclear installationsThis is a country which has attacked the Parliament of India some years ago which attacked the city of Mumbai which went after hotels and foreign tourists which every day sends terrorists across the border Jaishankar said referring to PakistanIf the terrorist camps operate in broad daylight in cities with recruitment and financing can you really tell me that the Pakistani state doesnt know whats going on Especially if theyre being trained in militarylevel combat tactics Jaishankar saidSo when we speak about judgments and principles why dont I hear sharp European condemnation of these practices which have been going on for multiple decades he asked in response to a questionWhen asked if the world has to be concerned that someday there could be a war between India and Pakistan the minister said I think the world needs to be concerned about terrorismI think the world has to be concerned that there is terrorism going on and the world often looks away The world often feels its not my problem because its happening to some other country I think the world needs to be concerned about how sincerely and strongly it takes up the challenge of terrorists he assertedOn Monday addressing a joint press conference with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg here Jaishankar said the effects of terrorism cannot be contained within a region especially so when they are deeply connected to narcotics and illegal weapons trade and other forms of international crimesSince the epicentre of terrorism is located so close to India naturally our experiences and insights are useful to others the minister had said without naming any countryIndia has repeatedly said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror hostility and violence India has said the onus is on Pakistan to create an environment free of terror and hostilityIndia has also told Pakistan that talks and terror cannot go together and has asked Islamabad to take demonstrable steps against terror groups responsible for launching various attacks on IndiaJaishankar is in Austria on the second leg of his twonation tour This is the first EAMlevel visit from India to Austria in the last 27 years and it takes place against the backdrop of 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2023