External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar on Friday asserted that India’s core strategic positions cannot be altered by coercive tactics from adversaries or by geopolitical pressures. He said India would remain firm on issues of sovereignty and security, with no scope for compromise.
Interacting with students after launching the IIT Madras Global Research Foundation, Dr Jaishankar said India will continue to act as a responsible global stakeholder while standing resolute on its national interests.
Referring to recent actions by China, including the detention of an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh, he said India had formally protested and made its position clear. “Such incidents change nothing on the ground. Arunachal Pradesh is, and will always remain, an integral part of India,” he said.
On Pakistan, the Minister said India was forced to take tough decisions due to sustained cross-border terrorism. Cutting engagement under such circumstances, he said, is a legitimate sovereign choice, adding that no one can lecture India on how to defend itself after decades of violence.
Dr Jaishankar described India as a civilisation-state that has evolved into a modern, technology-driven nation. He said India’s approach is “non-West, not anti-West,” rooted in confidence in its history, culture and values. Emphasising communication in diplomacy, he said clear and honest engagement helps prevent misreading of intentions.
Speaking on global issues, the Minister noted that crises like the Ukraine war have exposed the fragility of supply chains. During shortages of food, fuel and finance, India shared what it could, reinforcing its belief that wars cannot be prolonged in an interconnected world. He stressed the need for constant risk assessment as supply chains are increasingly used as strategic tools.
On regional diplomacy, Dr Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to Bangladesh and expressed confidence that stability would prevail as the country moves towards elections. “When India grows, its neighbours grow,” he said.
During the event, Dr Jaishankar also inaugurated the IITM Festival Fortnight, which includes Shaastra 2026 from January 2 to 6 and Saarang 2026 from January 8 to 12, along with an Open House allowing public access to IIT Madras laboratories and innovation centres.
As part of the IITM Global rollout, IIT Madras signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding with institutions across the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Dubai and the Asia-Pacific region, including Singapore and Malaysia, besides several under the India-for-Global initiative. These partnerships focus on joint research, startup collaboration, global talent exchange and translating deep-tech innovation into real-world applications.