India can't change Pakistan's "fanatical mindset", says Jaishankar
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New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Lok Sabha today, emphasising the Indian government's serious concerns regarding attacks on minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The minister said New Delhi is tracking "very closely" the treatment of minorities in Pakistan and making its position "well known", but the country cannot change the "fanatical and bigoted mindset" of a neighbour.
Jaishankar highlighted 10 incidents of attacks on Hindus in Pakistan during February while responding to a supplementary query during the Question Hour. These incidents included seven cases of abduction and forced conversion, two cases of abduction, and one incident of "police action" against students celebrating Holi, as stated by the minister.
He informed the House about various incidents of atrocities against minority communities. Attacks on Sikhs: Three cases were reported, including an attack on a Sikh family, another family being threatened for reopening an old Gurdwara, and the abduction and forced conversion of a Sikh girl.
Additionally, the minister mentioned two cases involving the Ahmediya community and another case where a Christian individual with an unstable mental state was charged with blasphemy.
Jaishankar said India takes up such cases at the international level also.
"Like in Pakistan, we track the welfare and well-being of minorities in Bangladesh as well ... In 2024, we had 2,400 incidents relating to attacks on minorities, and in 2025, 72 incidents ... I have taken it up with my counterpart there. The foreign secretary also took it up when he visited Bangladesh. This continues to be a matter of concern for our government," Jaishankar said, responding to another supplementary question.
Responding to a query on whether India plans "tough action" on the lines of earlier prime minister Indira Gandhi's stance against Pakistan, Jaishankar said New Delhi is making its position "well known", but "we as a government and a country cannot change the fanatical and bigoted mindset of a neighbour." "Even Indira Gandhi could not do it."
(inputs from PTI)