Chennai, January 2, 2026

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday emphasized that India has every right to defend its citizens against what he described as “bad neighbours” and stressed that countries that engage in acts of terrorism cannot expect cooperation or concessions from New Delhi. Speaking to students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Jaishankar underlined the principle that India’s foreign policy balances support and cooperation with defence and self-protection, depending on the behaviour of neighbouring states.

Without explicitly naming Pakistan, Jaishankar highlighted that India’s relationship with neighbours depends on mutual goodwill and adherence to international norms. “India’s growth is a lifting tide for the region, and most of our neighbours recognise that if India grows, they grow with us. But when it comes to bad neighbours who persist with terrorism, India has every right to defend its people and will do whatever is necessary. You cannot request us to share our water with you and also spread terrorism in our country,” he said.

Jaishankar contrasted this with India’s engagement with “good neighbours,” noting that New Delhi actively invests, shares resources, and provides assistance when relations are based on trust and cooperation. He cited examples such as vaccine supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, fuel and food support during the Ukraine conflict, and USD four billion in aid to Sri Lanka during its financial crisis. He added that India recently demonstrated its goodwill by attending the funeral of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, reflecting the country’s commitment to maintaining diplomatic ties in the neighbourhood.

The minister also underscored the importance of clear communication in diplomacy. According to Jaishankar, misreading intentions can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, and effective communication ensures that other nations understand India’s policies and respect its position. “How to prevent people from misreading you is to communicate. If you communicate well, clearly and honestly, other countries and other people respect it and accept it,” he said.

Highlighting India’s rich civilizational heritage, Jaishankar noted that very few ancient civilizations have survived to evolve into modern nation-states. “We have a sense of our past which very few countries have… It was our decision to opt for a democratic political model, which made the very idea of democracy as a universal political concept. Had we not gone that way, the democratic model, as we know it, would have been regional and narrow… Partnership with the West is also important, and that is how we shape the world,” he added.

Jaishankar also launched the IITM Global Research Foundation, an international initiative by IIT Madras aimed at positioning the institute as a globally networked hub for education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He linked the initiative to India’s broader foreign policy goals, noting that countries achieve global influence by growing internally and then engaging strategically with the world. “Countries have advanced by growing at home and then engaging abroad, leveraging the international environment in a way that contributes to the growth and also gains from it,” he said.

He elaborated on the philosophical underpinnings of India’s approach to international relations, invoking the ancient concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the idea that the world is a family. Jaishankar clarified that this principle does not imply passive engagement or vulnerability; rather, it guides India to maximise its impact within limited resources, balancing domestic development with strategic international engagement. “When we say ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, the term is we have never considered the world as an inimical or hostile place from which we have to defensively protect ourselves. We have limitations on our resources. With limited resources, how do you have maximum impact? That is actually the problem that has to be solved,” he explained.

Jaishankar also stressed that India leverages its competitiveness, strengths, and institutional partnerships to further its interests globally. “What we try to do in Indian foreign policy and diplomacy today is solve that problem. We try to do that partly using our competitiveness and strengths and leveraging other institutions and possibilities,” he said.

The remarks reflect a dual approach in India’s foreign policy: actively collaborating and investing in countries that contribute to regional stability and growth, while maintaining a firm defensive posture against states involved in destabilising activities such as terrorism. By drawing a clear distinction between “good” and “bad” neighbours, Jaishankar conveyed that India’s engagement is based on reciprocity, accountability, and respect for its sovereignty.

In conclusion, the External Affairs Minister reinforced that India’s foreign policy is grounded in pragmatism, strategic foresight, and cultural confidence. By balancing assistance and protection, diplomacy and deterrence, India aims to secure its interests, safeguard its citizens, and maintain a constructive role in regional and global affairs.