Chennai: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at the 19th Nani A. Palkhivala Memorial Lecture, addressed India’s relations with its neighbors, emphasizing the challenges posed by Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism. Jaishankar remarked that this “cancer” of terrorism is now affecting Pakistan’s internal political stability.
“Pakistan remains the exception in our neighborhood in view of its support for cross-border terrorism, and that cancer is now consuming its own body politic,” Jaishankar said. He contrasted this with India’s efforts to rebuild regional ties in the post-partition era through a generous and non-reciprocal approach, focusing on energy, infrastructure, trade, and investment to foster connectivity and cooperation.
Jaishankar also highlighted India’s role as a dependable partner during crises. Citing recent examples, he mentioned India’s $4 billion aid package to Sri Lanka during its 2023 economic crisis, even when the global community remained hesitant. “In times of crisis, be it the pandemic or the economic meltdown, India has actually served as an insurance for its smaller neighbors,” he added.
On Bangladesh, Jaishankar acknowledged the complexities of evolving political developments in the region. “The purpose of closer cooperation and contacts is to address such contingencies. At the end of the day, it is the mutuality of interest that should be counted upon to prevail,” he said.
