'Pakistan's Actions Have Consequences, Maldives Considers India Steady Force': Jaishankar Explains Relations With Neighbours

The External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar spoke about India's relations with its neighbours during the launch event of a book in New Delhi on Friday (30 August). Here's a summary of his remarks:

Pakistan: Taking a tough stance, Jaishankar said, "The era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over. Actions have consequences. So far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, Article 370 is done."

"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," he said adding that India is not in favour of continuing relations at the same levels.

Bangladesh: Since Sheikh Hasina's ouster from Bangladesh, India's relationship with the neighbouring country has been in the doldrums but Jaishnakar emphasised mutuality of interest.

"It is natural we will deal with the government of the day (presently being led by Muhammad Yunus. We have to recognise that there have been political changes and they can be disruptive," he asserted.

Myanmar: Calling Myanmar relevant and remote, Jaishankar said, "The concept of our northeast overrides. We have to find the balance between the government and other stakeholders."

"There is a recognition in the Maldives that this relationship is a steady force when they are getting into choppy waters where their own prospects are concerned as far as economic challenges," he claimed.

Afghanistan: Emphasising the "strong people-to-people relations" with Afghanistan and the goodwill that Afghans hold for India at a societal level, Jaishankar stressed that the fundamentals of statecraft should not be overlooked.

"Today after reviewing our Afgan policy, we are very clear-eyed about our interest, not confused by inherited wisdom before us. We must appreciate that Afghanistan with the presence of America is very different than Afghanistan without the presence of America," he said.

Neighbour: Concluding his remarks, Jaishankar said, "In every country of the world, neighbours are always a conundrum because neighbouring relations are the most difficult and can never be solved."

Calling out critics of India's neighbourhood policy, he said, "Tell me which country is there that doesn't have challenges with neighbours. It is the very nature of being a neighbour."