New Delhi: Terrorism would now invite consequences, not a return to talks after a pause, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Thursday, speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2026.

Source: IANS via NewKerala

The world takes note when a country responds firmly to terrorism, Jaishankar said, cautioning that “when you don't respond, the world will play games”.

Source: IANS Live

26/11 memorial as a reminder

Jaishankar said taking US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to the 26/11 memorial in Mumbai should serve as a reminder of the enormity of what has been done to India and of the need to respond. Rubio laid a wreath at the memorial at Mumbai's Taj hotel on Tuesday, paying tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, in which Pakistani terrorists killed 166 people, including six Americans.

“To me, 26/11 (memorial), where I took Secretary Rubio, should serve as a reminder of the enormity of what is being done to us and the necessity for us to respond. And believe me, when you respond, the world will take note of it. When you don't respond, the world will play games,” he said.

No more 'business as usual'

Contrasting India's restraint after the 2008 Mumbai attacks with its decisive actions in recent years, including after Pahalgam last year, the minister said: “If terrorism goes on, it will not be business as usual. It is not you'll take a break and then say, okay, now it's a long time, let me get back to talking to them again, which is what was the pattern.”

Asked whether the defence pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan could have a bearing on a future Operation Sindoor-type scenario, Jaishankar said “time will tell”, adding that countries would ultimately be judged by their actions and the world would be watching which positions translate into reality, IANS reported. NDTV's own summit interview carried the same message in his words: India wants good relations with Pakistan and all its neighbours, but will not overlook terrorism to achieve them.

Source: NDTV (YouTube)