In a resolute statement on Thursday, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to maintaining strictly bilateral relations with Pakistan, underscoring a policy rooted in national consensus. Speaking at a press interaction, Jaishankar emphasized that India’s dealings with its western neighbor will continue to be direct, with no scope for third-party involvement, reflecting a consistent and principled foreign policy stance.
The minister’s remarks come at a time when regional dynamics in South Asia remain complex, with India-Pakistan relations often strained by issues such as cross-border terrorism and differing perspectives on bilateral dialogue. Jaishankar reiterated that India’s approach is firmly anchored in the belief that talks and terrorism are incompatible, a position that has guided New Delhi’s policy for over a decade. “There is no change in our stance. Our relations with Pakistan will be strictly bilateral, and this has been a national consensus,” he stated, emphasizing continuity in India’s diplomatic strategy.
Jaishankar highlighted that any meaningful engagement with Pakistan hinges on addressing India’s core concerns, particularly the need for Pakistan to take credible and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from its soil. He pointed to past instances where dialogue was disrupted due to terror activities, reinforcing that India remains vigilant and uncompromising on this issue. “The era of uninterrupted dialogue despite terror attacks is over,” he asserted, signaling that India’s patience is contingent on tangible steps from Pakistan to curb cross-border militancy.
The External Affairs Minister also contextualized India’s position within the broader framework of its foreign policy, which prioritizes sovereignty and strategic autonomy. By insisting on bilateralism, India seeks to retain control over the terms of engagement, avoiding external mediation that could dilute its priorities. This approach, Jaishankar noted, has been consistently communicated to the international community, ensuring clarity about India’s expectations from Pakistan.
The statement follows recent discussions in diplomatic circles about the potential for renewed engagement between the two nations, particularly in light of regional developments such as the situation in Afghanistan and evolving security challenges. However, Jaishankar’s remarks suggest that India is in no hurry to deviate from its established policy unless Pakistan demonstrates a serious commitment to addressing India’s concerns. Analysts view this as a reaffirmation of India’s tough but pragmatic stance, balancing the need for dialogue with the imperative of national security.
India and Pakistan have had a tumultuous relationship since their independence in 1947, marked by periodic conflicts, territorial disputes, and intermittent attempts at dialogue. The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, orchestrated by Pakistan-based militants, marked a significant turning point, hardening India’s position on terrorism as a non-negotiable red line. Subsequent incidents, including the 2016 Pathankot and Uri attacks, further strained ties, leading to a suspension of high-level talks. While backchannel communications and limited interactions at multilateral forums have occurred, comprehensive dialogue remains elusive.
Jaishankar’s comments also reflect India’s broader diplomatic confidence, bolstered by its growing global influence and strategic partnerships. By emphasizing bilateralism, India signals its ability to manage its regional challenges independently, while keeping the door open for dialogue under the right conditions. The minister’s remarks are likely to resonate domestically, where public sentiment remains cautious about engaging with Pakistan without concrete assurances on security.
As South Asia navigates a period of geopolitical flux, India’s insistence on a bilateral framework underscores its determination to shape the terms of its relationship with Pakistan. For now, Jaishankar’s statement serves as a clear message: any path to normalization must pass through direct, transparent, and terror-free engagement.
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