Jaishankar: 2008 Mumbai Attacks Killed 166, Marked Turning Point in India-Pakistan Ties; Rana Extradited

India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, stated that the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which killed 166 people including six Americans, marked a turning point in India-Pakistan relations, as Indians collectively decided that such provocations from a neighboring country could no longer be tolerated. Speaking at Charotar University of Science and Technology in Gujarat, Jaishankar emphasized that while India has changed over the years, Pakistan has continued what he described as 'bad habits,' including support for terrorism and a negative approach toward India. Jaishankar accused Pakistan of playing a 'double game' in Afghanistan by supporting both the Taliban and opposing forces, a strategy he said ultimately backfired and contributed to instability within Pakistan itself. He noted a shift in Indian foreign policy after the Modi-led government took power in 2014, stating that Pakistan was given a firm message that acts of terrorism would have consequences. Jaishankar remarked, "India should not waste our precious time on Pakistan." Jaishankar also referenced the recent extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key plotter of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, from the United States to India, and expressed appreciation for US-India counterterrorism cooperation.