‘Right To defend…’: Jaishankar Stern Message Amid Bangladesh-Pakistan Threats | India News
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar issued a stern warning on Friday, asserting India’s unshakable right to defend itself against terrorism as threats from Pakistan and Bangladesh continue to escalate.
Making a strong statement that leaves no room for ambiguity, Jaishankar said, “If a country decides to continue terrorism deliberately, persistently and without regret, we also have the right to defend our people against terrorism. We will exercise this right.”
EAM’s remarks come at a critical time when India is facing increasing security challenges from its neighbors – Pakistan’s continued support of cross-border terrorism and Bangladesh’s increasing instability, which has created safe havens for anti-India elements.
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Pointing out the hypocrisy of nations seeking cooperation, especially when harboring terrorists, Jaishankar said bluntly: “You cannot say, ‘Please share water with me, but I will continue terrorism with you.’ This is irreconcilable.”
Speaking at an IIT Madras event, Jaishankar said, “You can have bad neighbors too. Unfortunately, you do. If you look to the West, when you have bad neighbours. If a country decides to continue terrorism deliberately, persistently and without remorse, we have the right to defend our people against terrorism. We will exercise this right. It is up to us how we exercise this right.”
Jaishankar added: “No one can tell us what we should or shouldn’t do. We will do whatever it takes to defend ourselves. We agreed on a water sharing arrangement years ago, but there is no good neighborliness if you have continued terrorism for decades. If there is no good neighbourhood, you cannot reap the benefits of that good neighbourhood. You cannot say, ‘Please share the water with me, but I will continue terrorism with you.’ This is irreconcilable.”
#WRISTWATCH | Tamil Nadu: When asked about India’s neighborhood policy, EAM Dr. S Jaishankar says: “… You can have bad neighbors too. Unfortunately, we have them too. When you have bad neighbors, if you look at the one in the west. If a country decides to do this deliberately,… pic.twitter.com/8w6dgDHLtc— ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2026
Ganges Water Sharing Talks with Bangladesh
Jaishankar’s remarks came as India and Bangladesh on Thursday began talks to renew the Ganges Water Sharing Agreement, which expires in December 2026, 30 years after it was signed. Officials told The Times of India that both sides have started measuring water levels in the Ganga and Padma rivers.
Indus Waters Treaty Canceled
Meanwhile, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan over the persistence of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, especially after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025 that claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
