India Vows to Defend Citizens Against 'Bad Neighbours' Supporting Terror
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India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has warned that the country will take necessary measures to defend its citizens against neighbours that support terrorism. In a statement, Jaishankar said that India's relations with its neighbours are based on their behaviour, and that New Delhi has the right to defend its citizens when a 'bad neighbour' like Pakistan deliberately and persistently supports terrorism. Jaishankar's comments come amid tensions with Pakistan, which India has accused of supporting terrorism. He also spoke about India's response to other developments in the neighbourhood, including political instability in Bangladesh. Jaishankar said that India's ties with its neighbours are based on common sense and that the country has invested in helping neighbours that display good neighbourliness. However, when a neighbour displays behaviour that is detrimental to India's interests, such as supporting terrorism, Jaishankar said that India will take necessary measures to protect its citizens. He cited India's Operation Sindoor, launched in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, as an example of how the country exercises its right to defend itself. Jaishankar also addressed the issue of India's relations with China, which detained an Indian national from Arunachal Pradesh at Shanghai airport last November. He said that India has protested the incident and expects China to abide by international conventions and regulations. In a separate development, Jaishankar visited Bangladesh to pay his respects to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, amid unprecedented strains in bilateral relations. He handed over a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Zia's son, Tarique Rahman, expressing a desire for a 'new beginning' in the partnership between the two countries. Jaishankar also spoke about India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, which aims to strengthen ties with its neighbours through economic cooperation, trade, and development projects. He cited examples of India's assistance to its neighbours, including providing vaccines, food, and fuel during the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict. Jaishankar's comments come as India seeks to strengthen its ties with its neighbours and address regional security concerns. The country has been working to boost economic cooperation and development projects in the region, and has also been taking steps to strengthen its military capabilities to counter potential threats.
