India’s Right to Self-Defence: A Powerful Statement from Former US NSA on Pakistan Relations
John Bolton, the former U.S. National Security Advisor under President Donald Trump, has weighed in on the recent deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, India, where 26 civilians were killed by terrorists, two of whom are believed to be from Pakistan. In an exclusive interview, Bolton emphasized India’s right to self-defense in response to the attack, especially given the ongoing threats from terrorism originating from Pakistani soil.
Bolton, who held the NSA position during the Pulwama attack in 2019, which resulted in the deaths of 40 CRPF personnel by the Pakistan-based group Jaish-e-Mohammad, expressed concern over the stability of the Jammu and Kashmir region. He lamented that the local population and tourists are adversely affected by persistent terrorist activities. “It’s crucial to understand the circumstances surrounding such attacks. While I was in office, we faced a similar situation in 2019, and if the Indian government feels confident that an attack has come from Pakistan, then India has every right to act,” he stated.
He underscored the importance for India to demonstrate clear evidence of terrorist activities emanating from Pakistan to justify any military response. “No one wants a broader conflict in South Asia, but the threat from such attacks is unacceptable,” Bolton asserted. His remarks highlight the tension between India and Pakistan, with Bolton noting the longstanding challenges the U.S. has faced regarding Pakistan’s alleged state sponsorship of terrorism.
According to Bolton, various U.S. administrations have acknowledged the issue of terrorism linked to Pakistan, stating, “The terrorist activities that emerge from Pakistani territory will ultimately be attributed to the government unless it takes action.” He expressed apprehension about the potential threat posed by terrorist groups operating within Pakistan and along the Afghanistan border.
Bolton’s observations come against the backdrop of international concerns regarding Pakistan’s support for extremist organizations, notably Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. “India has rightly expressed its frustrations over the lack of progress in addressing these threats,” he asserted, reinforcing India’s justification to use military force if it can substantiate its claims of self-defense.
Recently, Pakistan’s Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi made provocative statements about the country’s nuclear capabilities, which Bolton dismissed as unhelpful. “I don’t believe Pakistan genuinely seeks a full-scale military confrontation with India,” he noted. He pointed out that Islamabad understands the potential ramifications of escalating any conflict, particularly one involving nuclear weapons.
Bolton concluded by asserting that while India has the legitimate right to defend itself, both countries must focus on resolving the underlying issue of terrorism. Engaging in military aggression could escalate tensions further, and a political approach is critical for addressing these persistent threats.
As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to evolve, Bolton’s comments underscore the complex dynamics at play in South Asian geopolitics, highlighting the need for scrupulous communication and cooperation in combating terrorism.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/india-has-legitimate-right-to-act-in-self-defence-against-pakistan-former-us-nsa
Category : India , World
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Publish Date: 2025-05-03 14:50:00
