Usage of terrorism as instrument of statecraft simply unacceptable: Jaishankar

The usage of terrorism as an "instrument of statecraft" is simply unacceptable, and it can never be justified or rationalised, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Sunday (October 25, 2026) and flagged that it continues because "not all states really display zero tolerance" to the menace.

Despite history holding so many lessons on it, "some still allow political calculations to take precedence", he said in his address at an event here without naming any country.

At an event held in New Delhi to mark the 75th anniversary of Chinmaya Mission, he underlined the importance of peace, especially amid the ongoing conflicts in the world.

"Let us consider the indivisibility of peace. Now, war anywhere threatens peace everywhere," the Union minister said.

He cited the conflicts in Ukraine and the West Asia region currently underway, and asserted that India expresses global sentiment when it says that dialogue and diplomacy is the only solution.

"Terrorism is another deadly threat to peace. Its usage as an instrument of statecraft is simply unacceptable. It can never be justified. It can never be rationalised. Yet, it continues because not all states really display zero tolerance. Despite history, holding so many lessons, some still allow political calculations to take precedence," Mr. Jaishankar said.

The world must, therefore, develop sharper awareness about this common threat, and it must come together with stronger resolve and counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, he said.