Jaishankar Warns Terrorism Will Face Consequences, Rules Out Return to Business as Usual
NEW DELHI — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said Thursday that India would no longer allow acts of terrorism to be followed by a temporary suspension of diplomatic engagement before returning to normal relations, emphasizing that a firm response is necessary to deter future attacks.
Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2026, Jaishankar said India’s willingness to respond decisively to terrorism had changed how the international community viewed threats against the country.
“To me, 26/11 (memorial), where I took Secretary Rubio, should serve as a reminder of the enormity of what is being done to us and the necessity for us to respond. And believe me, when you respond, the world will take note of it. When you don’t respond, the world will play games,” Jaishankar said.
His remarks followed a visit Tuesday to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks memorial at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, where he accompanied U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Rubio laid a wreath in memory of the 166 people killed in the November 26, 2008, attacks carried out by Pakistan-based terrorists. The victims included six American citizens.
“At the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, I laid a wreath honoring the victims of the horrific November 26, 2008 terrorist attacks, including six American citizens. We remember those lost, honour the courage of those who responded, and reaffirm the enduring US-India partnership and our shared commitment to combating terrorism,” Rubio wrote on X following the visit.
Jaishankar contrasted India’s response to the 2008 Mumbai attacks with its more assertive approach to terrorism in recent years, including the military response following the 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
He said New Delhi had moved away from its previous practice of temporarily suspending diplomatic engagement after major terrorist incidents before eventually resuming talks.
“If terrorism goes on, it will not be business as usual. It is not you’ll take a break and then say, okay, now it’s a long time, let me get back to talking to them again, which is what was the pattern,” he said.
The foreign minister emphasized that countries must demonstrate their commitment to combating terrorism through concrete actions rather than diplomatic statements alone.
During the discussion, Jaishankar was also asked whether a defense arrangement involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan could influence India’s response to a future security crisis similar to Operation Sindoor.
He declined to speculate on the potential implications, saying “time will tell.”
Jaishankar added that nations, including India, would ultimately be evaluated on their actions, and that the international community would closely observe whether diplomatic commitments translated into practical decisions.
His comments underscored India’s increasingly assertive counterterrorism policy and its determination to ensure that cross-border attacks carry lasting consequences for those responsible. (Source: IANS)
