In a clear indication of a shift in India’s stance towards Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has declared that “the era of uninterrupted dialogue…is over,” while also emphasizing that New Delhi is prepared to respond to developments across the border, whether positive or negative.
Speaking at a private event in Delhi this week, Jaishankar underscored the government’s firm approach to the volatile relationship between the two countries.
During the event, Jaishankar issued a stern warning to Pakistan, stating, “actions have consequences,” particularly for those who support terrorist activities targeting India. He questioned, “what kind of relationship can we contemplate with Pakistan?” indicating a more cautious and reactive stance on future interactions.
When asked if India is content with the status quo in its relations with Pakistan, Jaishankar’s response was notably ambiguous: “Maybe yes, maybe no… but what I do want to say is that we are not passive, and that whether events take a positive or negative direction… either way we will react.” This reflects India’s evolving strategy, balancing readiness for dialogue with a hardline stance against terrorism.
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India’s relationship with Pakistan has long been marked by volatility, particularly with ongoing border disputes in Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi has consistently raised alarms over Pakistan’s financial and logistical support for cross-border terrorism, highlighting these concerns at both bilateral and international forums.
In March, during a visit to Singapore, Jaishankar criticized Pakistan’s “almost industry-level” sponsorship of terrorism, stressing that “India will not skirt this problem.” He reiterated that while India is open to friendly dialogue to resolve disputes, this cannot come at the cost of continued terrorist attacks on Indian soil. “How do you deal with a neighbour who does not hide the fact that they use terrorism as an instrument of statecraft?” Jaishankar asked, highlighting the sustained and systematic nature of Pakistan’s actions.
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Jaishankar has been consistent in his message that India will no longer overlook terror attacks in the name of diplomacy. Earlier this year, he made it clear that New Delhi’s tolerance for cross-border terrorism is extremely low, referencing the Balakot strike by Indian forces in response to a terror attack that killed 19 soldiers. “There will be consequences,” he warned, reinforcing India’s zero-tolerance policy.
Jaishankar’s recent comments also come at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is preparing for its first Assembly election in a decade, set to begin on September 18. The election has sparked renewed debate about India-Pakistan relations, with mainstream regional parties like the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) advocating for the resumption of diplomatic ties with Pakistan.
Both parties have faced criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for their stance. Home Minister Amit Shah has questioned whether the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi support the “nurturing of terrorism” as a result of the NC’s position on dialogue with Pakistan.
As India navigates its complex relationship with Pakistan, Jaishankar’s comments signal a firm and potentially transformative approach, prioritizing national security while remaining cautiously open to dialogue.
