Addressing students at IIT Madras during the inauguration of Shaastra 2026, Jaishankar said good neighbours enhance mutual prosperity, but "unfortunately, ours are not always so."

He warned that deliberate, unremorseful sponsorship of terrorism over decades erodes trust essential for agreements like water-sharing. "How we exercise that right is for us to decide. No one can tell us what we should or should not do."

The remarks, widely seen as aimed at Pakistan, come amid ongoing cross-border challenges. Jaishankar also referenced recent Bangladesh unrest, noting his attendance at Khaleda Zia's funeral days earlier, and stressed neighbours should at minimum cause no harm.

On China, he reaffirmed Arunachal Pradesh as integral Indian territory, rejecting claims or incidents like the harassment of an Arunachal woman at Shanghai airport.

Broader foreign policy highlights included India's ancient civilisation thriving as a democracy, vaccine diplomacy aiding poorer nations during COVID, and partnerships aligning with "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"—the world as one family.

The minister underscored leveraging strengths for global impact despite resource constraints. Jaishankar's assertive tone signals continued prioritisation of national security in India's neighbourhood policy.