SIGNALLING a welcome shift in calling out Pakistan’s blatant support to terrorist groups operating out of its soil at regional and international platforms, National Security Advisor Mr. Ajit Doval sent out a tough message at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) by singling out Pak-based terror outfits Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) for punitive action. Mr. Doval’s address in Dushanbe was instrumental in breaking the usual subtlety practiced while dealing with such subjects. That he did the tough talking in the presence of Pakistan National Security Advisor Mr. Moeed Yusuf underlines how India has opted to climb the next level in respect to relations with Pakistan.

Mr. Doval was direct in his approach, unhindered by past burdens and never in grip of a possible peace talk between the two neighbours. His proposed action plan against LeT and JeM was accepted in its entirety by the SCO leaving Pakistan no choice than to become a supporting voice in the fight against terrorism. Over the years, Let and JeM have been instrumental in carrying out some of the deadly and dastardly terror attacks against India that include the 26/11 Mumbai attack and Parliament attack. JeM was also involved in the suicide bombing in Pulwama apart from carrying out lone wolf strikes.

While India has been active on building a united front against terrorism at every available platform, the SCO presents a different dynamic as it deals with the immediate neighbourhood apart from sensitive regions like Afghanistan. In every sphere under SCO influence, Pakistan has remained a constant culprit for its brazen support to extremism. Unlike previous discourses, this time India chose the aggressive option while putting naked truth before the SCO members. This change in policy is set to ruffle many feathers in Islamabad and Rawalpindi even as Pakistan continues to remain on the radar of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for its involvement in financing terror groups and encouraging money-laundering. Mr. Doval did extremely well to cover an additional base by urging the SCO for an MoU with the FATF.

A clear and bold Indian position on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism was necessary in the current circumstances especially after Pakistan’s rigidity on the Kashmir issue despite inviting international snub. Mr. Doval has set a cat free!