At a recent book launch in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a strong message to Pakistan, emphasizing that actions have consequences and that the “era of uninterrupted dialogue” with Pakistan is over. Jaishankar made it clear that India’s approach to its relationship with Pakistan has fundamentally shifted. The previous strategy of engaging in dialogue without addressing the core issues, particularly cross-border terrorism, has ended. He stressed that any future engagement between the two countries would be contingent upon Pakistan taking concrete and verifiable steps to curb terrorism.
Jaishankar pointed to the abrogation of Article 370, which revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, as a definitive move by India that signals its intent to chart a new course in its relations with Pakistan. “As far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, Article 370 is done,” Jaishankar said, underlining that India has taken decisive steps in its internal affairs, and expects Pakistan to recognize the new reality.
The minister also addressed whether India is content with maintaining the current state of relations with Pakistan. He suggested that India is neither passive nor indifferent to the developments in its relationship with Pakistan. Jaishankar stated that India will respond to any changes in the situation, whether they take a positive or negative turn, making it clear that India’s stance is dynamic and will be shaped by the actions of its neighbor.
At a separate event, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy echoed Jaishankar’s sentiments, criticizing Pakistan’s lack of genuine interest in fostering peaceful relations with India. Reddy responded to calls from political parties like the National Conference (NC) and the Congress for renewed talks with Pakistan by highlighting the repeated failures of previous attempts at dialogue, even under leaders such as former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Reddy argued that despite India’s efforts to establish a peaceful and cooperative relationship, Pakistan has continued to support terrorism and target Indian soldiers. He questioned the feasibility of engaging in dialogue with a country that has consistently shown an intent to harm India. Reddy’s comments reflect the broader frustration within India regarding Pakistan’s persistent support for cross-border terrorism and its impact on bilateral relations.
India has consistently maintained that it desires normal neighborly relations with Pakistan, but this is only possible if Islamabad takes the necessary steps to create an environment free of terror and hostility. The onus, according to Indian officials, is on Pakistan to demonstrate its commitment to peace by taking tangible actions to curb terrorism. Without such actions, the prospects for meaningful dialogue remain slim.
The relationship between India and Pakistan has long been strained, primarily due to the Kashmir issue and the ongoing threat of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. India’s recent actions, including the revocation of Article 370 and its tough stance on dialogue, signal a new approach that prioritizes security and national interest over the previous policy of dialogue at any cost.
Jaishankar’s remarks underscore India’s resolve to hold Pakistan accountable for its actions and to ensure that any future engagement is based on mutual respect and a genuine commitment to peace. The message is clear: India is ready to respond to the changing dynamics of its relationship with Pakistan, but it will not compromise on its security or sovereignty. The era of dialogue without action is over, and Pakistan must now demonstrate its willingness to change its behavior if it wishes to engage with India meaningfully.
