NEW DELHI: Pakistan is continuing with its state policy of fuelling cross-border terrorism through state and non-state proxies, and attacks like Pahalgam destabilise and jeopardise regional peace and security, defence minister Rajnath Singh told his Japanese counterpart Gen Nakatani on Monday.With Pakistan on Saturday testing the 450-km Abdali ballistic missile system in a reckless, escalatory and provocative move, the delegation-level meeting saw India also point to Pakistan's active role in nuclear and missile proliferation, which is a source of insecurity and instability for countries around the world, sources told TOI.The meeting saw both sides condemn "terrorism in all its forms" and emphasised the need for enhanced global cooperation and joint efforts to counter cross-border threats. "Nakatani San expressed solidarity with India in the wake of the Pahalgam attack and offered full support to India," Singh said.While the two ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the defence and security pillars of their bilateral 'special strategic and global partnership' and contribute towards regional peace, the major focus was on terrorism and Pakistan's role in promoting it.Singh condemned Pakistan's state policy of cross-border terrorism against India, perpetrated through state and non-state actors. On the proliferation front, China has played a major role in facilitating the clandestine network that has enabled Pakistan and North Korea to progressively strengthen their nuclear and ballistic missile arsenals.India and Japan have full strategic convergence on China's aggressive expansionist moves in the Indo-Pacific region, and along with the other 'Quad' countries of the US and Australia have openly declared their intent to deter any coercion in the region.
Author: Rajat Pandit
Published at: 2025-05-05 22:08:29
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