As calls grow louder for justice in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Indian defence and diplomatic circles are reiterating a clear message to Pakistan: hand over the masterminds or continue to be isolated on the global stage.

Defence expert Sanjeev Srivastava, backing Indian Ambassador to Israel JP Singh, stated on Wednesday that Pakistan’s continued denial about harboring terrorists on its soil remains a major hurdle in improving bilateral relations.

“If Pakistan is smart enough to act against terrorism, they can hand over the masterminds of the Mumbai attacks to India. And if they do so, relations between both countries can improve,” Srivastava told ANI.

However, expressing skepticism, Srivastava added,

“Pakistan is known for its denials. It has consistently refused to acknowledge that terrorists involved in the Mumbai attacks are being sheltered on its soil. They even claimed Sajid Mir was dead, only to later say he is alive.”

The remarks came in response to Ambassador JP Singh’s recent comments in which he questioned why Pakistan could not follow the example of the United States, which recently extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana, another key figure involved in the Mumbai attacks.

Singh had underscored that India has always maintained that improved ties with Islamabad hinge on "irreversible, verifiable, and credible" action against terrorism.

Srivastava reinforced this view by citing Pakistan’s continued inaction against terrorists like Hafiz Saeed, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, and Sajid Mir—all of whom are internationally designated and linked to the deadly 26/11 carnage.

In a broader context of counter-terror operations, Srivastava pointed to India's growing military and strategic edge, mentioning the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile as an unmatched deterrent.

India also recently carried out Operation Sindoor, striking nine terror sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir on May 7, following a brutal terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed.

The international community too has started taking note. Ethiopian Ambassador to India, Fesseha Shawel Gebre, unequivocally condemned the Pahalgam massacre and accused Pakistan of being the orchestrator.

Appreciating India's “measured and responsible” military response, Gebre said,

“Ethiopia and India share a common fight against terrorism.”

A high-level Indian delegation is expected to visit Ethiopia by the end of May to share further intelligence and strengthen counter-terror cooperation.