Jaishankar Addresses India’s Neighbourhood Policy

Overview of India’s Diplomatic Stance

NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently spoke about India’s neighbourhood policy, making it clear that the relationship with certain neighbouring countries poses challenges. "You can have bad neighbours… unfortunately, we do," he remarked, indirectly referencing Pakistan.

Strained Relations with Pakistan

Jaishankar’s comments come in light of escalating tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad, which have worsened following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. This incident, believed to have been orchestrated and supported by Pakistan, has heightened India’s security concerns.

A Call for Self-Defense

Addressing students at IIT Madras, Jaishankar emphasized India’s right to defend itself against terrorism. He stated, "When you have bad neighbours… if a country decides that it will deliberately, persistently, and unrepentantly continue with terrorism, we have a right to defend our people against terrorism. We will exercise that right."

Dismissal of External Mediation

In his speech, Jaishankar also expressed skepticism towards U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated offers to mediate peace between India and Pakistan during heightened military tensions in May. Highlighting India’s strategic autonomy, he affirmed, "How we exercise that right is up to us. Nobody can tell us what we should or should not do."

The Indus Waters Treaty: A Complex Relationship

In reference to the now-suspended Indus Waters Treaty, Jaishankar stressed that goodwill in diplomacy cannot coexist with ongoing hostility. "Many years ago, we agreed to a water-sharing arrangement, but if you had decades of terrorism, there is no good neighbourliness," he explained. He noted that mutual benefits cannot be expected when one country continues hostile actions against another.

Conclusion: India’s Firm Stance on Security

Jaishankar’s statements underline India’s commitment to maintaining national security while navigating complex diplomatic relationships with its neighbours. The emphasis on self-defense and strategic autonomy reflects a strong stance in the face of persistent challenges.