NewDelhi, Jan.02,2026:S Jaishankar’s comments came soon after his return from Dhaka, where he represented India at memorial events following the passing of Khaleda Zia, a towering figure in Bangladeshi politics.
The visit was diplomatically significant. India and Bangladesh share one of South Asia’s most complex yet cooperative bilateral relationships—covering trade, water sharing, border management, and security coordination.
Against this backdrop, S Jaishankar Neighbourhood First Policy was not a theoretical concept but a lived diplomatic experience.
S Jaishankar Neighbourhood First Policy Explained
When asked about India’s relations with neighbouring countries, Jaishankar offered a simple yet powerful analogy:
“We have different kinds of neighbours. If your neighbour treats you well and does not harm you, you naturally cooperate.”
This philosophy lies at the heart of the S Jaishankar Neighbourhood First Policy—a doctrine that rewards cooperation but refuses to tolerate hostility.
India, he said, helps neighbours who choose peace, development, and mutual respect.
Jaishankar’s Core Message
Jaishankar stressed that good neighbourhoods are built on trust, not entitlement.
“Good neighbours help their neighbours. That is what we are doing as a country.”
This statement reinforces India’s long-standing approach of providing development aid, infrastructure support, and humanitarian assistance to friendly neighbours such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.
The Unspoken Reference to Pakistan and Terrorism
Without naming Pakistan directly, Jaishankar delivered one of his sharpest remarks yet.
“If you look to the west, there is one neighbour that continuously promotes terrorism.”
The implication was unmistakable. Under the S Jaishankar Neighbourhood First Policy, terrorism is a deal-breaker.
India, he said, has every right to defend its citizens.
Why India Rejects One-Sided Cooperation
One of the most striking lines of the speech addressed a long-standing grievance
“You cannot expect us to share water with you while you continue to export terrorism into our country.”
This statement reflects a growing consensus within India’s strategic community: cooperation cannot be unconditional.
Security, sovereignty, and mutual respect are non-negotiable pillars of the S Jaishankar Neighbourhood First Policy.
Water, Security, and Sovereignty
Water-sharing agreements in South Asia are deeply sensitive. Jaishankar’s remarks suggest that India views such cooperation as part of a broader trust ecosystem.
If trust breaks down, cooperation becomes impossible.
This signals a tougher, more transactional phase of Indian diplomacy.
Bangladesh’s Role in India’s Regional Vision
During his Bangladesh visit, Jaishankar said he consciously conveyed a positive message
“If India develops, its neighbours will develop with it.”
Bangladesh is often cited as a model partner within the S Jaishankar Neighbourhood First Policy framework—demonstrating how cooperation yields tangible benefits for both sides.
Trade growth, connectivity projects, and security coordination have all improved significantly.
India’s Development-Led Neighbourhood Strategy
Jaishankar’s comments highlighted a core belief: India’s growth is contagious.
Infrastructure corridors, energy cooperation, and digital connectivity are being positioned as shared regional assets—not zero-sum gains.
This approach contrasts sharply with coercive diplomacy seen elsewhere.
How Neighbourhood First Policy Has Evolved
Originally launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the policy has matured under Jaishankar’s stewardship.
Today, S Jaishankar Neighbourhood First Policy emphasizes
- Security before symbolism
- Development before dependency
- Cooperation with accountability
This evolution reflects India’s rising global confidence.
Strategic Message to South Asia and Beyond
Jaishankar’s speech was not just for domestic audiences.
It sent a clear signal to South Asia, China, and Western partners: India will be fair, firm, and forward-looking—but not naïve.
Neighbours must choose whether they want partnership or confrontation.
Expert Reactions and Diplomatic Signals
Foreign policy analysts see the speech as a continuation of India’s realist turn.
Many believe Jaishankar’s candid tone resonates internationally because it aligns values with action—an increasingly rare combination in global diplomacy.
What This Means for India’s Future Diplomacy
The takeaway is clear.
S Jaishankar Neighbourhood First Policy is no longer just about goodwill—it is about clear expectations.
India will help those who help themselves and respect regional peace.
Those who do not should not expect business as usual.
S Jaishankar’s remarks after his Bangladesh visit underline a defining moment in Indian foreign policy.
The message is simple, strong, and strategic
Good neighbours are partners.
Bad neighbours face consequences.
In a turbulent region, clarity may be India’s strongest diplomatic weapon.
