External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday described Pakistan as a “bad neighbour” and defended India’s right to counter terrorism. He said India would take necessary steps to protect its people.
Speaking at IIT Madras, Jaishankar stressed that no external power can dictate India’s actions. His remarks were seen as a clear reference to Operation Sindoor.
India carried out Operation Sindoor in 2025 after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack killed 26 civilians and was linked to The Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy. Following the incident, India struck terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Jaishankar said countries have the right to self-defence when neighbours promote terrorism. According to him, persistent and deliberate support for terror leaves India with no alternative.
He added that the manner of India’s response would remain its own decision. He said national security cannot be compromised by external pressure.
The minister also referred to the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. He said the agreement lost its spirit due to decades of hostility and terrorism. Therefore, cooperation could not continue without mutual trust.
Jaishankar noted that India maintains good relations with peaceful neighbours. However, he said such goodwill depends on responsible behaviour.
Tensions escalated further after Operation Sindoor. India intercepted Pakistani missile and drone attacks, then struck Pakistani airfields. A ceasefire followed on May 10.
