‘Actions Have Consequences’: EAM S Jaishankar Says ‘Era of Uninterrupted Dialogue with Pakistan Over’

New Delhi: Almost a week after Ukraine questioned India’s economic relationship with Russia, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar defended the partnership on Friday, stating that India and Russia share significant economic complementarity. He stressed that India should not be intimidated in pursuing the benefits of this relationship.

Jaishankar made these remarks during the launch of the book ‘Strategic Conundrums: Reshaping India’s Foreign Policy’ by Ambassador Rajiv Sikri.

He highlighted that trade between India and Russia has increased five-fold, suggesting that the relationship extends beyond crude oil imports. Jaishankar noted that Russia is pursuing its own “Look East” policy and, since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, has significantly altered its global perspective. He urged India to capitalise on this shift rather than be influenced by a broader narrative that doesn’t align with India’s interests.

These comments come shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized India’s economic ties with Russia, claiming that India’s trade with Russia is indirectly supporting Russia’s military efforts. Zelenskyy also expressed his desire for India to side with Ukraine rather than maintain a balanced stance between Kyiv and Moscow.

On Pakistan, Jaishankar asserted that the era of uninterrupted dialogue is over, hinting that Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism has strained relations. He also touched on the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, suggesting it has altered the nature of India-Pakistan relations.

On the United States, Jaishankar described India-US ties as ‘indispensable,’ stressing that while the two nations share overlapping interests, the relationship is not an alliance. He acknowledged that the mutual understanding between India and the US has evolved, leading to a more pragmatic partnership.

Regarding China, Jaishankar admitted that the 2005 description of Indo-China relations as a ‘strategic and cooperative partnership’ was a mistake. He emphasised the importance of developing border infrastructure to maintain peace and tranquility along the border.

Concerning Bangladesh, Jaishankar acknowledged the recent political changes, including the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stressing the need to prioritise mutual interests amidst shifting political landscapes.