Jaishankar Defines India's Neighbourhood Policy: Good vs. Bad Neighbours

• EAM S Jaishankar explained India's neighbourhood policy at IIT Madras, Chennai, after attending Khaleda Zia's funeral in Bangladesh.
• India's approach is guided by "common sense," differentiating between "good" and "bad" neighbours.
• With "good neighbours," India invests, helps, and cooperates, citing examples like Covid vaccines, aid to Ukraine, and $4 billion to Sri Lanka.
• "Bad neighbours" are those who "deliberately, consistently, and unrepentantly continue terrorism."
• India asserts its right to defend itself against such neighbours, indirectly referencing the Indus Water Treaty suspension with Pakistan post-Pahalgam attack.

Why It Matters: India's neighbourhood policy is pragmatic, rewarding cooperation while firmly countering terrorism.