In a wide-ranging interview with French daily Le Figaro, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a firm warning on terrorism, reaffirmed India’s strategic autonomy on global issues, and highlighted the deepening Indo-French partnership across multiple sectors.
On terrorism and regional security, Jaishankar took a hard stance. Referring to the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, he stated, “If terrorists attack India, we will hunt them down wherever they are, including in Pakistan.” He emphasized that the Kashmir issue is not a bilateral dispute but one rooted in cross-border terrorism. “Pakistan harbours and supports terrorists. The conflict is between India and terrorism,” he said.
Jaishankar also called out China for its support to Pakistan, saying, “On an issue like terrorism, you cannot afford ambiguity.”
Speaking about ties with France, the minister called trust the foundation of the relationship. “India and France share a strong civil and military partnership. We are deepening cooperation in defence, nuclear energy, AI, space, and climate action,” he said.
On India’s relationship with China, he noted the tensions that followed the 2020 border clashes, adding that efforts are underway to resume suspended engagements such as direct flights. “India and China are two ancient civilizations navigating unresolved border issues and the dynamics of rising powers.”
He addressed India’s ties with the United States across administrations, including under Donald Trump. Despite tariff disputes, Jaishankar said bilateral talks had progressed, and a trade agreement may be concluded before the tariff suspension ends on July 9. He acknowledged the U.S. approach to foreign policy as interest-driven, remarking, “To be honest, I would do the same with them.”
On the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar reiterated India’s neutral stance and call for immediate negotiations. “The Global South—Africa, Latin America, Pacific nations—has suffered due to this war. We speak on their behalf and want peace restored quickly.”
He described the Global South as a collective of developing nations still dealing with the legacy of colonialism but now asserting themselves in the world order.
On domestic concerns raised by the West over India’s diversity, particularly the treatment of Muslims, Jaishankar dismissed them as exaggerated. “India’s diversity is our strength—many languages, faiths, ethnicities, and traditions coexist. This is who we are.”
Calling for United Nations reform, he said, “India is ready for a bigger global role. We are the world’s most populous nation, a rising global player. The UN, now 80 years old, must evolve to meet today’s realities.”
The interview underscored India’s growing assertiveness in foreign policy, commitment to multilateralism, and focus on national security amid shifting global dynamics.
