Vadodara, May 31, 2025 — In a powerful and unambiguous message to the global community, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s hardened stance against terrorism and reiterated that those who sponsor or support terror will face serious consequences. Speaking at the convocation ceremony of a private university in Vadodara, Gujarat, Jaishankar reflected on the tragic 26/11 Mumbai attacks and highlighted India’s evolving response strategy, referencing the recent Operation Sindoor as a manifestation of the country’s strengthened resolve.
A Shift in Posture Since 26/11
Addressing the students and faculty, Jaishankar remarked that the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which left 166 people dead, demanded a strong and immediate response at the time — a sentiment that was widely echoed but not acted upon then.
“The barbarity of the killings required an exemplary response... That it warranted a forceful reply even after 26/11 is widely acknowledged,” Jaishankar said.
He added that times have changed, and India’s response to terrorism has transformed, symbolized by Operation Sindoor, carried out in retaliation to the Pahalgam massacre where 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists.
Operation Sindoor: A Symbol of New India’s Resolve
Without delving into operational specifics, Jaishankar’s mention of Operation Sindoor sent a clear message — India will strike back if provoked.
The operation, conducted earlier this month, is widely seen as a precise and strategic retaliation aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure across the border. This mirrors the intent behind the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, but with a deeper, long-term geopolitical significance.
“Terrorism epicentres are no longer immune,” the minister declared, emphasizing that India’s zero-tolerance policy is now backed by decisive action.
No More Nuclear Blackmail
In a sharp rebuke to repeated threats from Pakistani officials invoking nuclear warfare, Jaishankar asserted:
“We will never give in to nuclear blackmail. Whatever decisions have to be taken in India's national interests are taken and will continue to be taken.”
This comment came in the backdrop of escalating rhetoric from Pakistan in the days leading up to and following Operation Sindoor. Indian officials have made it clear that deterrence will no longer be confined to words.
Global Diplomacy: India’s Non-Transactional Approach
Jaishankar also touched upon India’s broader diplomatic philosophy, contrasting it with the “transactional” mindset adopted by some nations in international affairs.
“In the international community of almost 200 nations, we do have national interests… but this ought to be done with mutual understanding and mutual benefit.”
Without naming specific countries, his remarks were likely aimed at nations such as Turkey, which has been vocal in support of Pakistan and has reportedly supplied military drones to them, fueling instability in the region.
A Warning and a Vision
Jaishankar’s address was not just a reflection on past failures or recent military actions. It was also a clear articulation of the Modi government's foreign policy vision — assertive, self-reliant, and principle-driven.
“India’s resolve is much stronger now,” he said, underscoring the shift from strategic restraint to strategic clarity.
The statement also resonates with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘New India’ — an India that is not only economically ambitious and technologically empowered but also secure and assertive on the global stage.
Conclusion
S. Jaishankar’s speech at the Vadodara convocation was more than a diplomatic address — it was a strategic assertion of India’s new role on the world stage. With Operation Sindoor setting the precedent and 26/11 serving as a painful reminder, India is no longer a passive observer but an active defender of its sovereignty and people.
The message is clear: Terrorism will not be tolerated, and perpetrators — wherever they are — will be held accountable. As India marches ahead in its journey as a global power, its foreign policy will continue to be guided by strength, clarity, and unwavering national interest.
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