Jaishankar Declares End to Uninterrupted Dialogue with Pakistan; Discusses India’s Foreign Policy on Afghanistan and Bangladesh

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently declared that the era of continuous dialogue with Pakistan has come to an end. Speaking at the launch of Ambassador Rajiv Sikri’s book, “Strategic Conundrums: Reshaping India’s Foreign Policy,” in Delhi on Friday, Jaishankar emphasized the need for a new approach to relations with Pakistan. He stated, “Actions have consequences. So far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, Article 370 is done.”

The Minister further elaborated on the future of India-Pakistan relations, suggesting that the nature of the relationship moving forward would depend on how events unfold. He remarked, “So, the issue is what kind of relationship we can contemplate with Pakistan…What I do want to say is that we are not passive, and whether events take a positive or a negative direction, either way, we will react.”

Jaishankar’s statements reflect a clear departure from the traditional stance of maintaining uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan, signaling a tougher stance by India. The emphasis on actions having consequences points to India’s firm position on not engaging with Pakistan unless there is a significant shift in its approach towards cross-border terrorism and other contentious issues.

Moving to Afghanistan, Jaishankar expressed India’s nuanced understanding of the evolving situation there. As reported by ANI, he highlighted the strong cultural and social ties between India and Afghanistan, despite the challenging political landscape. “Today after reviewing our Afghan policy, we are very clear-eyed about our interests…We are not confused by inherited wisdom that is before us,” he stated. He further added, “We must appreciate that Afghanistan with the presence of America is very different than Afghanistan without the presence of America.” These comments underline India’s pragmatic approach to its Afghan policy, acknowledging the significant changes in Afghanistan’s political dynamics following the withdrawal of American troops.

Jaishankar’s remarks suggest that India is carefully evaluating its options in Afghanistan, mindful of both regional stability and its strategic interests. The minister emphasized the importance of understanding the implications of America’s withdrawal and how it affects the broader geopolitical environment in the region.

On the subject of Bangladesh, Jaishankar acknowledged the importance of engaging with the current government while recognizing the potential for political disruptions. He said, “It is natural we will deal with the government of the day. We have to recognize that there have been political changes and they can be disruptive.” He further noted the necessity of seeking mutual interests in the bilateral relationship, stating, “Clearly, here we have to look for mutuality of interest…”

The External Affairs Minister’s comments on Bangladesh reflect a pragmatic and strategic approach, focusing on maintaining good relations while being prepared for potential political changes. This stance is consistent with India’s broader foreign policy strategy of engaging with neighboring countries based on mutual interests and shared goals.

Jaishankar’s statements at the book launch provide insight into India’s evolving foreign policy strategy. The minister’s remarks on Pakistan underscore a more assertive stance, signaling that India will not return to a policy of uninterrupted dialogue without a significant change in Pakistan’s behavior. On Afghanistan, his comments reflect a clear-eyed approach to a complex situation, recognizing the significant changes following the U.S. withdrawal and the need to prioritize India’s interests in the region. Finally, his observations on Bangladesh highlight a balanced approach, focusing on engaging with the current government while being mindful of potential political disruptions.

The overarching theme of Jaishankar’s remarks suggests a shift towards a more assertive and pragmatic foreign policy stance by India. By prioritizing actions over rhetoric, and emphasizing the need for mutual interests and stability, India is positioning itself as a key player in the regional and global geopolitical landscape.