Europe sees India as a key ally while also continuing its interactions with Pakistan using a crisis-management approach. Despite focusing on security cooperation with India, Europe uses terms like “balance,” “engagement,” and “restraint” in its dealings with Islamabad. The EU’s recent joint statement with Pakistan drew parallels between Jammu and Kashmir and Ukraine, overlooking Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism.
Italian political advisor Sergio Restelli criticized Europe for potentially damaging its relationship with India by prioritizing optics over addressing India’s terrorism concerns. While Europe aims for a partnership with India and an EU-India Free Trade Agreement, it tends to revert to the old Pakistan dossier during tense situations in the region. Restelli highlighted the need for Europe to condemn terrorism, demand accountability, and support India’s security concerns within international law.
Restelli emphasized the importance of Europe adopting a more structured approach in its policy towards South Asia. He argued that Europe should first condemn terrorism, demand accountability from Pakistan, call for the dismantling of terror networks, affirm India’s right to protect its citizens, and then advocate for de-escalation. Without this structured approach, Restelli warned that the burden of restraint would fall mainly on the victim.
