China can't afford double standards on terror: EAMD

China cannot afford "ambiguity or double standards" in combating terror in the context of its close relationship with Pakistan because terrorism is a problem that affects all countries, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday.

- Rezaul H Laskar

Jaishankar made it clear in an interview with French newspaper Le Figaro that India will hunt down terrorists who attack India "wherever they are, including in Pakistan". India's military strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan last month were about terrorism, and "not a dispute with Pakistan over Kashmir", he added.

Jaishankar responded to a question on China's support for Pakistan by saying: "They have had close ties for decades. But on an issue like terrorism, you cannot afford ambiguity or double standards. In the end, it's a problem that concerns all of us." India's foreign minister is currently on a week-long visit to Belgium and France for meetings with the top leadership of the two countries and the European Union (EU). This is his second visit to Europe since last month's clashes with Pakistan that ended with an understanding on May 10 on halting military actions.

The visit is also an opportunity for India to brief key interlocutors on New Delhi's new approach to fighting cross-border terrorism. Numerous reports have said China provided military and other support to Pakistan during the recent clashes.