“Good Neighbours Get Help, Bad Ones Face Red Lines”: EAM Explains India’s Neighbourhood Policy

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India’s Neighbourhood First policy is guided by common sense, goodwill, and clear red lines on security. Speaking after his recent visit to Bangladesh, he explained that India treats neighbours as it would in everyday life- helping, sharing, and building trust where goodwill exists. He cited vaccine support during COVID, fuel and food assistance amid global crises, and a $4-billion aid package to Sri Lanka as examples of responsible neighbourhood engagement. However, Jaishankar stressed that where neighbours pursue persistent hostility or terrorism, India will firmly defend its interests. He added that India’s growth acts as a “lifting tide” for the region, benefiting cooperative neighbours.