The remarks by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, branding Pakistan as a bad neighbour and linking it to terrorism, are bound to disappoint those who had pinned hopes on the revival of ties between the two countries.Following the handshake between Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq and Jaishankar in Dhaka,there were speculations that India might be taking steps toward reviving relations with Pakistan. Instead, the minister’s statement has reinforced the perception that India’s current leadership prefers confrontation over dialogue.
Hurling baseless allegations against Pakistan has, unfortunately, become a recurring feature of the BJP’s rhetoric. But what is different now is that such narratives no longer carry the credibility internationally. Evidence and context matter in global diplomacy, and repeated claims without proof cannot hide the underlying realities. It is India’s actions, both within the region and beyond, that increasingly draw scrutiny, including concerns about cross-border tensions and involvement in activities far from its borders.On the issue of the Indus Water Treaty, Jaishankar’sremarks are troubling. The IWT is a bilateral agreement recognised internationally, and unilateral suspension would not only breach legal obligations but further strain regional stability. Rather than blaming Pakistan, it is India that must examine its role as a neighbour, especially given its strained relations not only with Pakistan and China but also Bangladesh and Nepal.Lasting peace and stability in South Asia will come only through dialogueand mutual respect. Propaganda campaigns and rhetoric may temporarily rally domestic sentiment, but they do nothing to resolve the underlying disputes. For the sake of the region, India must shift from being a bad neighbour to a constructive partner and genuinely engage with Pakistan to settle longstanding issues.
