Chennai – India’s foreign policy is guided by pragmatism and the behaviour of its neighbouring countries, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Friday, asserting that New Delhi reserves the right to defend its citizens and national interests against neighbours that deliberately support terrorism or violate international norms.

Speaking at an interaction with students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Madras, Jaishankar addressed a wide range of regional issues, including India’s response to terrorism emanating from Pakistan, recent tensions with China, and the country’s engagement with Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

Defending Against Terrorism from Pakistan

In a pointed reference to Pakistan, the minister said, “When you have bad neighbours, and if a country decides they will deliberately, persistently, unrepentantly continue with terrorism, we have a right to defend our people against terrorism.” He cited Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 last year, as an example of India targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians and was carried out by a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Jaishankar also referenced India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 following the attack. “We had agreed to the water-sharing arrangement as a gesture of goodwill,” he said. “But if there is no good neighbourliness because of decades of terrorism, the benefits of that goodwill cannot be realised. You cannot demand cooperation in one area while continuing acts of terror in another – that is not reconcilable.”

The minister emphasised that India’s response to threats and acts of terrorism is a matter of national sovereignty, asserting that New Delhi would exercise its rights as deemed necessary to protect its citizens and strategic interests.

China Detention Incident

Jaishankar also addressed concerns regarding the detention of Pema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian national from Arunachal Pradesh, by Chinese authorities at Shanghai airport last November while she was transiting. Responding to a question from an Arunachal Pradesh student, he noted that India had formally protested to China over the incident.

“We also made the point that there are two issues – first, such actions do not alter the reality: Arunachal Pradesh is and will always be part of India,” he said. The minister further highlighted that international conventions and regulations govern the transit of people, and India expects countries to adhere to these norms. He described India’s stance on the matter as firm and unequivocal, underscoring the country’s commitment to defending its citizens abroad.

Engagement with Bangladesh

Jaishankar shared insights from his recent visit to Dhaka to attend the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, highlighting India’s efforts to maintain stable bilateral relations amid political instability in the neighbouring country. He conveyed India’s message that its economic growth and development can serve as a lifting tide for all neighbours.

During the visit, Jaishankar handed over a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Khaleda Zia’s son and BNP leader Tarique Rahman, which spoke about a “new beginning” and the potential to enrich India-Bangladesh cooperation. The visit also comes ahead of Bangladesh’s general election on February 12, in which the BNP is expected to emerge as the single largest party.

Highlighting India’s support to its neighbours under the “Neighbourhood First” policy, the minister noted several initiatives, including:

• Providing the first shipment of vaccines during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Supplying food, fuel, and fertilisers to mitigate shortages triggered by the Ukraine conflict.
• Offering a $4 billion economic package to Sri Lanka during its 2022-23 financial crisis.
• Assistance to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.

Jaishankar emphasised that engagement does not have to occur only during crises. Infrastructure collaboration, trade, tourism, and medical cooperation are equally important tools of regional partnership. He said, “You also work with neighbours through power grids, waterways, roads, ports, by doing business, helping tourism, and by having people come for medical treatment.”

Relations with Afghanistan

Responding to a question from an Afghan student about resuming visas and scholarships, Jaishankar underscored the long-standing, though occasionally challenged, India-Afghanistan relationship. He said that despite difficulties, India continues to work with Afghanistan on development and humanitarian issues, including the provision of vaccines, food, and agricultural inputs like pesticides. “These measures are people-centric, helping society and improving living conditions,” he said.

Principles of India’s Neighbourhood Policy

Throughout his interaction, Jaishankar highlighted the dual principles of India’s foreign policy: rewarding good neighbourliness and responding firmly to hostile actions. He repeatedly stressed that India invests, shares resources, and engages positively with countries that demonstrate cooperation. Conversely, countries that pursue terrorism or violate international norms will encounter a resolute and proportionate response from New Delhi.

The minister’s remarks also served as a reaffirmation of India’s territorial integrity, particularly in the northeast, and a message that India will not tolerate any attempts to challenge its sovereignty or destabilise its neighbours.

Looking Ahead

Jaishankar concluded by urging students to appreciate the strategic and pragmatic dimensions of India’s foreign policy, which balances developmental engagement with defensive preparedness. He reinforced that India’s approach is grounded in common sense, mutual benefit, and national security, noting that the country’s actions are guided by both principle and pragmatism.

India’s stance, as articulated by the external affairs minister, demonstrates a firm commitment to protecting its citizens and asserting its interests regionally, while continuing to extend support and cooperation to neighbouring countries wherever possible.