EAM Jaishankar Affirms India's Right to Self-Defense Amidst Poor Neighborly Relations

EAM Jaishankar asserts India's right to self-defense, emphasizing that good neighborliness is a two-way street.

Photo by Artem Bryzgalov

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has strongly reiterated India's inherent right to self-defense, asserting that "good neighbourliness cannot be a one-way street." Speaking at an event, he emphasized that while India desires peaceful relations, it will not hesitate to protect its interests if faced with hostile actions from neighboring countries.

This statement, without explicitly naming any country, is widely seen as a firm message to Pakistan and China, reflecting India's evolving foreign policy doctrine that balances diplomatic engagement with robust national security. It signals a more assertive stance, moving beyond traditional non-alignment to prioritize national interests and security in a complex geopolitical landscape.

Key Facts

EAM S. Jaishankar reiterated India's right to self-defense

Stated 'good neighbourliness cannot be a one-way street'

Statement seen as message to Pakistan and China

UPSC Exam Angles

Evolution of India's Foreign Policy (Nehruvian era to present)

Principles of International Law (Right to Self-Defense, UN Charter)

India's Bilateral Relations (China, Pakistan)

Concepts like Strategic Autonomy, Non-Alignment, Multi-alignment

Geopolitical challenges and India's response

Visual Insights

India's Geopolitical Neighborhood & Strained Relations

This map illustrates India's immediate neighborhood, highlighting countries with which India's relations are currently strained, particularly in the context of self-defense and border security. It provides a visual context for EAM Jaishankar's statement.

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📍New Delhi, India📍Islamabad, Pakistan📍Beijing, China📍Kathmandu, Nepal📍Dhaka, Bangladesh📍Colombo, Sri Lanka

Evolution of India's Assertive Stance & Self-Defense Actions (2016-2026)

This timeline highlights key events demonstrating India's evolving foreign policy doctrine and its exercise of the right to self-defense, particularly against cross-border terrorism and border aggression, leading up to EAM Jaishankar's statement in 2026.

India's foreign policy has evolved from traditional non-alignment to a more pragmatic and assertive stance, especially since the mid-2010s. This shift is characterized by a willingness to use military and diplomatic tools to protect national interests, particularly in response to cross-border terrorism and territorial aggression from neighbors like Pakistan and China. The events on this timeline illustrate this evolution, culminating in the EAM's strong statement.

2016Uri Attack & Surgical Strikes: India conducts surgical strikes across LoC in response to Uri terror attack, signaling a shift in response to state-sponsored terrorism.
2017Doklam Standoff: India-China military standoff in the Doklam tri-junction area, demonstrating India's resolve on border issues.
2019Pulwama Attack & Balakot Airstrike: India conducts airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot, Pakistan, further asserting its right to pre-emptive self-defense against terrorism.
2020Galwan Valley Clash: Violent confrontation between Indian and Chinese troops in Eastern Ladakh, leading to significant casualties and heightened border tensions.
2021Continued LAC Standoffs & Diplomatic Engagements: India maintains firm military posture along LAC, engaging in multiple rounds of military and diplomatic talks with China.
2023Enhanced Border Infrastructure Development: India significantly ramps up infrastructure development along its northern and western borders to improve military mobility and surveillance.
2025India's Role in Quad & Indo-Pacific: India strengthens strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, including Quad, to counter regional challenges and ensure maritime security.
2026EAM Jaishankar's Statement: Affirms India's right to self-defense, emphasizing 'good neighbourliness cannot be a one-way street', reflecting a mature and assertive foreign policy.

More Information

Background

India's foreign policy has historically been shaped by the principles of Non-Alignment, advocating for strategic autonomy and peaceful coexistence. However, in recent decades, particularly with evolving geopolitical realities, increased security challenges, and India's growing economic and strategic ambitions, there has been a discernible shift towards a more pragmatic, assertive, and national interest-driven approach. This evolution is often characterized by 'multi-alignment' or 'strategic autonomy 2.0', where India engages with multiple powers without being constrained by ideological blocs, prioritizing its own security and developmental needs.

Latest Developments

EAM Jaishankar's statement reiterating India's right to self-defense and emphasizing that 'good neighbourliness cannot be a one-way street' reflects this contemporary shift. It signals a departure from a purely reactive or conciliatory stance, especially concerning challenging relationships with neighbors like Pakistan and China. The statement underscores India's resolve to protect its national interests robustly, balancing diplomatic engagement with a strong security posture, and moving beyond the traditional constraints of non-alignment to a more proactive and assertive foreign policy.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding India's foreign policy doctrine in the contemporary era: 1. The principle of 'strategic autonomy' has replaced 'non-alignment' as the foundational tenet of India's foreign policy. 2. India's current approach emphasizes balancing diplomatic engagement with robust national security, moving beyond traditional non-alignment. 3. The concept of 'good neighbourliness' in India's foreign policy now explicitly implies reciprocity and is not a unilateral obligation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is incorrect. Strategic autonomy is an evolution and reinterpretation of non-alignment, not a complete replacement. Non-alignment's core idea of independent decision-making persists, but its application has evolved. Statement 2 is correct, reflecting the shift towards a more pragmatic and assertive stance that integrates security with diplomacy. Statement 3 is correct, as highlighted by EAM Jaishankar's statement that 'good neighbourliness cannot be a one-way street,' implying reciprocity.

2. In the context of international law and India's assertion of its right to self-defense, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Article 51 of the UN Charter recognizes the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs. 2. The concept of 'pre-emptive self-defense' is universally accepted under international law as a legitimate response to any perceived threat. 3. India's 'no first use' policy regarding nuclear weapons is unrelated to its right to conventional self-defense. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is correct. Article 51 of the UN Charter explicitly preserves the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a UN member state. Statement 2 is incorrect. 'Pre-emptive self-defense' (or 'preventive war') is highly controversial and not universally accepted under international law. While some states argue for it in specific circumstances, the UN Charter primarily allows self-defense 'if an armed attack occurs.' Statement 3 is correct. India's 'no first use' (NFU) policy is specific to nuclear weapons and does not negate or relate to its inherent right to conventional self-defense against non-nuclear aggression.

3. Which of the following historical doctrines or principles has NOT directly influenced or shaped India's approach to 'good neighbourliness' or regional relations at various points in its foreign policy evolution?

A.Panchsheel Principles
B.Gujral Doctrine
C.Look East Policy
D.Monroe Doctrine

Show Answer

Answer: D

A) Panchsheel Principles (1954) emphasized mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference, equality, and peaceful coexistence, directly influencing India's early approach to neighbours. B) Gujral Doctrine (1996) advocated for unilateral concessions and non-reciprocity towards smaller neighbours without demanding strict reciprocity, aiming to build trust. C) Look East Policy (1990s, now Act East) focused on strengthening economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asian nations, indirectly influencing regional dynamics and 'neighbourhood' in a broader sense. D) Monroe Doctrine (1823) is a US foreign policy principle opposing European colonialism in the Americas and is entirely unrelated to India's foreign policy or its approach to neighbourliness.

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