'No country can come out of problems if its basic industry is terrorism': Jaishankar on crisis-hit Pak

The remarks come as Pakistan faces a crippling economic crisis, with decades-high inflation and critically low foreign exchange reserves depleted by continued debt repayment obligations.

No nation can overcome its issues and become affluent if its "basic industry" is terrorism, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in an apparent reference to Pakistan.

"No country is ever going to come out of a difficult situation and become a prosperous power if its basic industry is terrorism," he said at Asia Economic Dialogue here organised by the external affairs ministry.

Speaking on India extending help to Pakistan, Jaishankar said terrorism is the fundamental issue of the India-Pakistan relationship, which one cannot avoid.

"...if I were to look at any big decision I am making, I will also look at what is the public sentiment. I would have a pulse what do my people feel about it. And I think you know the answer," he was quoted as saying by the news agency PTI.

Earlier, the minister had said that Pakistan's future would largely be determined by its own actions and choices, and it is for the neighbouring country to find a way out of its economic troubles.

The remarks come as Pakistan faces a crippling economic crisis, with decades-high inflation and critically low foreign exchange reserves depleted by continued debt repayment obligations.

Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves are slightly above USD 3 billion which is hardly enough for 10-15 days of imports.

Pakistan is struggling with instability stemming from an economic crisis, last summer's devastating floods, and a recent surge in terror attacks across the country.

In a big blow to crisis-hit Pakistan, the IMF has refused to release the next tranche of USD 1.1 billion out of USD 7 billion programme initially agreed upon in 2019 unless certain terms are met. With the foreign reserves plummeting to a critical low of just USD 2 billion, sufficient for just 10 days of imports, Pakistan is looking towards the IMF to resuscitate its economy.

India and Pakistan's relationship hit a new low following the Pulwama attack and BJP-government's decision to do away with Article 370 further strained ties.