Helsinki [Finland], Sep 21: India’s external affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar and Finnish Prime Minister Antti Rinne have on Friday held “long discussions” on terrorism, amidst Pakistan’s endeavors to internationalize the Kashmir issue post India’s revocation of Article 370, removing special status given to Jammu and Kashmir.
The development comes as Jaishankar embarked on an official three-day visit to Finland on Thursday.
The EAM said Indian government’s move to revoke Article 370 has a “national security connotation” and emphasized the nation “lives in a tough neighbourhood” and struggles severe national security challenges, according to ANI.
Addressing the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA), Jaishankar, in an indirect reference to Pakistan, stated India has been subjected to the “cross-border terrorism” – considered to be the most severe security challenge, for decades.
He said, “We are opposed to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and believe there is no justification for it, whatsoever. But it is not just enough to have a position. When subjected to terrorist attacks, any polity that is sincerely committed to the welfare of its people will surely respond.”
Lively interaction at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs @FIIA_fi.
The text of my remarks available at: https://t.co/ecjz7NGslj pic.twitter.com/x4ODDmoQF7
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) September 20, 2019
In a tweet, he wrote: “A very good conversation with Finnish Prime Minister Antti Rinne. Appreciated his deep interest in the social programs of our Government.”
A very good conversation with Prime Minister @AnttiRinnepj. Appreciated his deep interest in the social programs of our Government. pic.twitter.com/LeEZSyFKZU
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) September 20, 2019
He also held a “productive” meeting with his Finnish counterpart Pekka Haavisto over a broad range of bilateral relations, as well as, discussed regional and international matters too.
“Productive meeting with Foreign Minister @Haavisto. Reviewed bilateral relationship with special focus on green technologies. Exchanged notes on regional issues. Long discussion on terrorism. Compared our development assistance experience in Africa,” he tweeted.
Productive meeting with Foreign Minister @Haavisto. Reviewed bilateral relationship with special focus on green technologies. Exhanged notes on regional issues. Long discussion on terrorism. Compared our development assistance experience in Africa. pic.twitter.com/alEBwmC8Le
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) September 20, 2019
Earlier, Jaishankar paid a visit to the Parliament of Finland and exchanged views over “gender equality and microfinance” with first deputy speaker Tuula Haatainen.
Visited the Parliament. Exchanged views with First Deputy Speaker @TuulaHaatainen on gender equality and microfinance. pic.twitter.com/2fQ3f1U9Cf
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) September 20, 2019
He also met the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Finnish Parliament. Discussion on contemporary developments in Asia.
Met the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Finnish Parliament. Discussion on contemporary developments in Asia. pic.twitter.com/tqkLhsDb9L
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) September 20, 2019
The EAM, when arrived, was received by Finnish President Sauli Niinisto. He thanked the president and also “benefitted from his global insights and perspectives on Europe”.
Thank President @niinisto of Finland for receiving me today. Benefitted from his global insights and perspectives on Europe. pic.twitter.com/hKhLiOdMz6
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) September 20, 2019
EAM unveiled the statue of Mahatma Gandhi by Gautam Pal and also met with the Indian diaspora there, during which Jaishankar underlined “Mahatma’s message of courage, hope and truth was relevant to fight terrorism”.
Unveiled the statue of Mahatma Gandhi by Gautam Pal. Thank the city of Helsinki and the Finnish Foreign Ministry. Was so good to see the Indian community there. Underlined that the Mahatma's message of courage, hope and truth was relevant to fight terrorism. pic.twitter.com/6aLj0BUQw2
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) September 20, 2019