India will defend itself against terrorism, says Jaishankar; calls Pakistan a hostile neighbour
Jaishankar says India would not seek permission from anyone when it comes to safeguarding its people, a remark widely seen as a reference to Operation Sindoor
PTC Web Desk: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday delivered a strong message on India’s national security stance, describing Pakistan as a “hostile neighbour” and asserting that New Delhi will act decisively to protect its citizens from terrorism.
Interacting with students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Jaishankar said India would not seek permission from anyone when it comes to safeguarding its people, a remark widely seen as a reference to Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to cross-border terrorism last year.
Referring to Pakistan’s alleged role in supporting terror groups, the minister said sustained and deliberate use of terrorism as state policy leaves India with no option but to respond. “When a country repeatedly chooses the path of violence and shows no remorse, we reserve the right to defend ourselves—and we will use it,” he said.
Jaishankar noted that India exercised this right following the April terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. Investigations later established links to The Resistance Front, a group believed to operate as a front for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. In response, India carried out Operation Sindoor, striking multiple terror facilities across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Emphasising India’s strategic autonomy, the minister said decisions on national security would be taken solely by New Delhi. “How we protect ourselves is our choice. No external power can dictate our actions,” he added.
Jaishankar also addressed the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960, which India suspended following the Pahalgam attack. He said agreements built on cooperation cannot survive in an environment of hostility.
“You cannot expect the benefits of cooperation while simultaneously promoting violence. Good neighbourly arrangements depend on responsible behaviour, and that trust has been eroded over decades,” he said.
Highlighting India’s broader regional approach, Jaishankar said the country shares borders with diverse neighbours and continues to support those who maintain peaceful and constructive relations. “Where neighbours are cooperative or at least non-threatening, India has always extended help and goodwill,” he said.
The minister also reiterated his earlier remarks that many of India’s long-standing challenges stem from the actions of the Pakistani military establishment, drawing a distinction between responsible leadership and those who pursue destabilising policies.
Bilateral tensions escalated sharply after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, prompting India to launch Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror camps across the border. Indian strikes reportedly eliminated over 100 terrorists. Pakistan responded with missile and drone attacks, most of which were neutralised by Indian defences. India later carried out retaliatory strikes on Pakistani airbases before a ceasefire came into effect on May 10.