EAM S Jaishankar NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Friday spoke about India’s neighbourhood policy, saying that “you can have bad neighbours… unfortunately, we do” a veiled swipe at Pakistan.Ties between New Delhi and Islamabad, long strained, further deteriorated after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir, an attack was designed and backed by Pakistan.Addressing students at IIT Madras, Jaishankar said, “You can also have bad neighbours. Unfortunately, we do. When you have bad neighbours, if you look to the one to the west. 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.” ‘Bad Neighbours Who Persist With Terror’: Jaishankar Warns Pakistan, Hopes Improved Bangladesh Ties He also reiterated India’s stand with his tone appearing dismissive of US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims on mediating peace between India and Pakistan during high-scale military tensions in May. Emphasising strategic autonomy, Jaishankar said, “How we exercise that right is up to us. Nobody can tell us what we should or should not do. We will do whatever we have to do to defend ourselves.”Referring to the now suspended, Indus Waters Treaty pact between the two countries, he added that goodwill cannot coexist with continued hostility. “Many years ago, we agreed to a water sharing arrangement, but if you had decades of terrorism, there is no good neighbourliness. If there is no good neighbourliness, you don’t get the benefits of that good neighbourliness. You can’t say, ‘Please share water with me, but I will continue terrorism with you.’ That’s not reconcilable…”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Bad Neighbours Who Persist With Terror’: Jaishankar Warns Pakistan, Hopes Improved Bangladesh TiesBangladesh Jamaat Signals Unity Rule With BNP Ahead Of Polls, Pushes Back On India Meeting ClaimsAfter Indus Treaty Setback India Clears Chenab Hydropower Project Triggering Fresh Panic In PakistanAnother Hindu Targeted In Bangladesh, Wife Alleges Trader Hacked And Burned Alive On Road HomeCongress Leader Nana Patole’s ‘Rahul Like Ram’ Remark Sparks Row; BJP Hits BackWest Bengal SIR Brings Home A Man Presumed Dead For 28 Years In UP’s MuzaffarnagarIndia And Pakistan Exchange List Of Nuclear Installations Under 1988 Agreement‘Vote Theft In Bengal’: TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee Slams ECI Over SIR, BJP Fires Back180 Kmph While You Sleep! India’s Latest Vande Bharat Sleeper Marks New Era. Check Fares, FeaturesBJP Leader Attacks Shah Rukh Khan Over KKR’s Bangladeshi Cricketer Amid Hindu Lynching in Bangladesh123Photostories2026, the ‘Year of the Sun’: 6 powerful Sun temples to visit in IndiaVicky Kaushal’s fatherhood glow is winning the internet: 5 times the “Chhava” actor amazed fans with the joy of being a fatherTop 10 most iconic Australian foods that the world needs to know about6 reasons why teens struggle to open up to parents‘120 Bahadur,’ ‘Chhaava,’ ‘Skyforce’: Real-life stories, historic battles, and courtroom dramas that dominated Bollywood in 202516 iconic and popular foods served on Indian Railways5 Indian home remedies to beat a hangoverBaby names inspired by light, hope, and happiness9 Things you must do on full moon night 2026 Based on your birth date5 evening habits highly lucky people never skip123Hot PicksPremarital Test OmanVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingJustin Thomas Net WorthWWE Star Nikki BellaCardi BCeeDee Lamb Luxury Car CollectionStefon DiggsCaitlin ClarkTom BradyMicah Parsons vs CeeDee Lamb Net WorthNHL Injury UpdateVanessa Bryant
NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Friday spoke about India’s neighbourhood policy, saying that “you can have bad neighbours… unfortunately, we do” a veiled swipe at Pakistan.Ties between New Delhi and Islamabad, long strained, further deteriorated after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir, an attack was designed and backed by Pakistan.Addressing students at IIT Madras, Jaishankar said, “You can also have bad neighbours. Unfortunately, we do. When you have bad neighbours, if you look to the one to the west. 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.”
He also reiterated India’s stand with his tone appearing dismissive of US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims on mediating peace between India and Pakistan during high-scale military tensions in May. Emphasising strategic autonomy, Jaishankar said, “How we exercise that right is up to us. Nobody can tell us what we should or should not do. We will do whatever we have to do to defend ourselves.”Referring to the now suspended, Indus Waters Treaty pact between the two countries, he added that goodwill cannot coexist with continued hostility. “Many years ago, we agreed to a water sharing arrangement, but if you had decades of terrorism, there is no good neighbourliness. If there is no good neighbourliness, you don’t get the benefits of that good neighbourliness. You can’t say, ‘Please share water with me, but I will continue terrorism with you.’ That’s not reconcilable...”
