EU envoy trips up in Pakistan

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and former Estonian premier, stated during Operation Sindoor, “Rising tensions between India and Pakistan are alarming. I urge both sides to show restraint and pursue dialogue.”

- HARSHA KAKAR

This came after the EU chief, Ursula Von der Leyen, had condemned the terrorist strike in Pahalgam mentioning “the vile terror attack in Pahalgam today stole so many innocent lives, and adding “Europe stands with you.” Kaja, on the other hand, was playing to Pakistan's narrative. Rawalpindi initiated the terrorist strike, then sought global support when India hit back, and threatened a nuclear war.

Addressing a joint conference a month later in Europe, alongside Kallas, External Affairs minister Jaishankar schooled her, “This (Sindoor) is not a conflict between two states. This is actually a response to the threat and practice of terrorism. I would urge you not to think of it as India-Pakistan, but think of it as India-Terroristan.” He added that India would never give in to “nuclear blackmail.” The message from India was clear, an attack on its soil would draw a firm response.

The EU commission website describes India-EU ties in these words: “The EU-India relationship is rooted in shared values of democracy, rule of law, and sustainable development.” After the India-EU summit held on 27 Jan this year, the MEA statement read, “The strategic agenda covers key areas: prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, connectivity and global issues, reinforced by enablers across pillars.” It appeared cooperation was growing in all spheres, when suddenly Kallas applied the brakes.

Kallas visited Islamabad recently and interacted with its political and military leadership. The joint statement issued at the end of her visit displayed how diplomacy can cause more damage than good. The statement said: “The Pakistan side briefed on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. The EU side briefed on Russia's war against Ukraine. Both sides expressed support to peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.”