Chennai | January 2, 2026

Two days after representing India at the funeral of Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, Khaleda Zia, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar elaborated on India’s neighbourhood policy, distinguishing between “good neighbours” and “bad neighbours” and underscoring that New Delhi’s approach is guided by common sense and national interest.

Representing India at Khaleda Zia’s Funeral

Jaishankar attended the funeral in Dhaka on Wednesday, delivering a letter of condolence from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Zia’s son and acting chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman. The visit symbolised India’s respect and diplomatic engagement, despite recent unrest and protests in Bangladesh.

‘Good Neighbours’ Approach

At a fireside chat with students at IIT Madras, Jaishankar was asked about India’s stance toward its neighbours amid the ongoing situation in Bangladesh. He explained India’s philosophy toward good neighbours:

“If you have a neighbour who is good to you, or at least not harmful to you, your natural instinct is to be kind and to help that neighbour. If the neighbour has a problem, you would like to contribute in some way. If nothing else, you will say hello, try to build friendships and bonding, and that is what we do as a country.”

He highlighted that India chooses to invest, help, and share with such neighbours. Examples included the vaccine support during the COVID-19 pandemic, fuel and food aid during the Ukraine conflict, and the $4 billion assistance to Sri Lanka during its financial crisis.

“Whenever there is a spirit of good neighbourliness, India engages positively. We invest, help, and share where we can,” Jaishankar said.

Stance on ‘Bad Neighbours’

In contrast, Jaishankar addressed India’s approach to what he described as “bad neighbours”—countries that persistently engage in terrorism against India.

“We will exercise the right to defend ourselves. How we exercise that right is up to us. Nobody can tell us what we should do or not. We will do whatever we have to do to defend ourselves. It is a common sense proposition,” he said.

Without naming any country explicitly, the minister appeared to allude to Pakistan and referenced India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack last year.

“Many years ago, we agreed to a water-sharing arrangement because the belief underpinning that was that it was a gesture of goodwill. But if you have decades of terrorism, there is no good neighbourliness. You cannot say, please share water with me, but I will continue terrorism with you.”

Jaishankar stressed that the benefits of good neighbourliness—such as trade, water sharing, and regional cooperation—cannot coexist with persistent acts of hostility.

Diplomacy Guided by Common Sense

The External Affairs Minister reiterated that India’s foreign policy is grounded in pragmatism and strategic common sense. While the country extends help and cooperation where possible, it reserves the right to defend its citizens and interests against threats.

“Our approach to the neighbourhood is guided by common sense. If a neighbour is constructive, we build bonds. If a neighbour is destructive, we protect our people,” he said.

Jaishankar’s remarks underline India’s dual-track strategy: fostering collaborative ties with friendly neighbours while remaining vigilant and assertive against threats from hostile actors in the region.

Looking Ahead

The minister’s statements come amid heightened attention to India’s neighbourhood policy following political unrest and violence in Bangladesh, and reflect New Delhi’s careful calibration of diplomacy and security in South Asia.

In essence, Jaishankar’s message was clear: India will extend friendship, investment, and aid to good neighbours, but it will firmly safeguard its sovereignty and citizens against bad neighbours engaging in terrorism or hostility.