Matthew Miller
In response to questions regarding recent statements by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh regarding potential cross-border operations against terrorists, the Biden administration reiterated its stance of non-interference while urging India and Pakistan to pursue dialogue and prevent escalation.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed concerns during a news conference, underlining the US”s stance on the matter. Reiterating that the United States will refrain from direct involvement in this issue, Miller stated, “So as I have said before, the United States is not going to get in the – into the middle of this, but we do encourage both India and Pakistan to avoid escalation and find a resolution through dialogue.”
Miller”s remarks came amid allegations, including a report by The Guardian, suggesting Indian involvement in targeted operations within Pakistan. However, the Indian government has vehemently denied these claims, labeling them as “false and malicious anti-India propaganda.”
Soon after the report, PM Modi, speaking at a public rally in Uttarakhand”s Rishikesh, said, “Today, there is a strong government in the country. Under this mazboot Modi sarkar, atankwaadiyon ko ghar mein ghus ke mara jata hai (Under the strong Modi government, terrorists are being killed by entering their homes).”
Echoing this sentiment, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also said the government won”t spare terrorists who try to disturb the country”s peace and that they would be hunted even if they run back to Pakistan.
In response, Pakistan criticised these statements as “provocative” and “myopic” cautioning against rhetoric that could hinder constructive engagement in the long term.
When pressed on whether PM Modi and Singh”s remarks could be interpreted as “confessions” regarding alleged incidents such as the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada or designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu’s murder-for-hire plot in New York, and killings in Pakistan, Miller repeated the US” stance of non-intervention.
