Prime Minister Narendra Modi severely criticized Pakistan on Saturday for its continued role in promoting and supporting terrorism, claiming that the bordering country is behind the majority of terrorist attacks globally.
During a lengthy interview with US-based podcaster Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Modi referred to Pakistan as the "hub of terrorism," highlighting the damage caused by it to the world as a whole, rather than India alone.
"Wherever terrorism occurs, the path always leads to Pakistan. Take the September 11 attacks, for example—where did its mastermind Osama bin Laden eventually emerge? He was discovered taking refuge in Pakistan. The world has realized how deeply entrenched terrorism and its ideology are there. As per Prime Minister Modi, today Pakistan is a global hub for terrorism, not only threatening India but the entire world.
He delivered a powerful message, appealing to Pakistan to end state-sponsored terrorism and asserting that its citizens must have a future without fear and violence.
"We have questioned them time and again—what does this path lead to? We have asked them time and again to come out of the cycle of terrorism. "What do they have to benefit by letting lawless forces rule their nation?" he added.
When PM Modi spoke of his own diplomatic initiatives, he referred to India's genuine efforts to improve relations with Pakistan, such as his historic visit to Lahore and inviting his Pakistani counterpart to his swearing-in ceremony. But he regretted the fact that such gestures of goodwill were reciprocated with hostility.
"I purposefully invited Pakistan to my inauguration as prime minister in the expectation of a fresh start. However, every earnest attempt at reconciliation was preceded by animosity and treachery. We can only pray that wisdom takes the better of them and they take the path of peace," he further said.
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