Era of uninterrupted dialogue over: S Jaishankar talks tough on Pakistan

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar delivered a firm message on India’s stance toward Pakistan, declaring that the era of “uninterrupted dialogue” is over.

Jaishankar said that “actions have consequences,” alluding to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and reaffirming New Delhi’s position that terror and talks can’t go together.

“The era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over. Actions have consequences,” he said at a book launch event in Delhi on Friday.

“So far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, Article 370 is done. So, the issue is what kind of relationship we can contemplate with Pakistan,” Jaishankar said, making it clear that there would be no compromise on this matter.

He also stressed that India would not remain passive in its dealings with Pakistan. “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 added.

The minister, known for not mincing his words when it comes to India’s interests, previously stated that the Centre cannot “overlook” terrorism in an effort to improve relations with Pakistan. He noted that terrorism has become almost an “industry level” issue in Pakistan, and India’s current mood is not to tolerate such threats.

The minister, known for not mincing his words when it comes to India’s interests, previously stated that the Centre cannot “overlook” terrorism in an effort to improve relations with Pakistan. He noted that terrorism has become almost an “industry level” issue in Pakistan, and India’s current mood is not to tolerate such threats.

Jaishankar has also argued that Pakistan’s core strategy has been to “use cross-border terrorism to bring India to the table,” but India has rendered that policy ineffective by refusing to engage on those terms.