Era Of Uninterrupted Dialogue With Pakistan Is Over: EAM Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has sent a clear signal about the government’s stance towards Pakistan, stating that “the era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over” and emphasizing that “actions have consequences”. Jaishankar made these remarks at a book launch event in Delhi on Friday, alluding to Pakistan’s sponsorship of terrorism and reiterating India’s position that terror and talks cannot go hand-in-hand.

Addressing the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, Jaishankar asserted, “So far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, Article 370 is done. So, the issue is what kind of relationship we can contemplate with Pakistan,” making it unequivocally clear that there would be no compromise on this matter.

Furthermore, the External Affairs Minister stressed that India would no longer remain passive in its dealings with Pakistan. He stated, “What I do want to say is that we are not passive, and whether events take a positive or a negative direction, either way, we will react”.

Jaishankar’s remarks underscore India’s zero-tolerance stance on cross-border terrorism and the government’s determination to address the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The minister had previously emphasized this stance, stating that “in this country, I think tolerance for any kind of cross-border terrorism is very low… there will be consequences”.

The External Affairs Minister’s comments come against the backdrop of upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir, which will be held in less than 20 days over three phases beginning September 18. Both mainstream regional parties, the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party, have expressed their desire to resume dialogue and diplomatic ties with Pakistan.