Mutual Interest Remains the Bedrock of India’s Foreign Policy, Says EAM Jaishankar

NEW DELHI – Addressing the complexities of regional diplomacy, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized on Saturday that India’s international relationships must be built upon the fundamental principle of mutual interest. Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum, the Minister outlined a pragmatic vision for New Delhi’s engagement with neighbors and global powers alike, balancing strategic stability with national security.

Navigating Ties with Bangladesh

Commenting on the evolving state of relations with Bangladesh, particularly regarding potential high-level diplomatic visits, Jaishankar underscored the necessity of a "common landing ground."

"For any relationship to work, it has to meet the test of mutual interest," Jaishankar stated. "It has to work for them, and it has to work for us. I am not expecting neighbors to only do what is in my interest… when you find that common ground, relationships work smoothly." His remarks come amid ongoing discussions regarding a bilateral visit invitation extended to the Bangladeshi leadership.

The Stance on Pakistan and Terrorism

Regarding Pakistan, the Minister reiterated India’s long-standing, unwavering position: dialogue and terrorism cannot coexist. He noted that the Indian government remains deeply sensitive to domestic public sentiment, which continues to be a driving factor in shaping the country’s approach to cross-border engagement.

Shaping Relations with China

Looking ahead to upcoming diplomatic milestones, including the anticipated meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO and BRICS summits, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of bilateral stability.

While acknowledging the "difficult phase" that characterized the 2020–2024 period, the Minister maintained that the state of the border remains the primary determinant of the overall relationship. "If things are stable and the needle is more cooperative, obviously, we are both very big economies… we are markets to each other," he noted.

He further emphasized that India intends to continue its economic engagement globally, including with China, to support the modernization of its own economy and the development of national capabilities. Currently, the Ministry is actively addressing concerns regarding business visa delays for Indian nationals seeking to travel to China.

As New Delhi continues to refine its foreign policy, the focus remains on leveraging global partnerships to foster economic growth while ensuring that national security interests are never compromised.