Sat Jan 18 16:25:58 UTC 2025: ## Jaishankar: Pakistan’s Terrorism a Cancer, India Must Prepare for China’s Rise

**Mumbai, January 18, 2025** – External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a stark warning about Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism, calling it a “cancer” consuming its own body politic, during the 19th Nani A. Palkhivala Memorial Lecture on Saturday. He stressed the need for the entire subcontinent to work towards Pakistan abandoning this approach.

Addressing the broader geopolitical landscape, Jaishankar highlighted the need for India to prepare for China’s growing capabilities. He acknowledged the ongoing efforts to resolve post-2020 border complexities but emphasized the necessity of long-term strategic planning to counter China’s expanding influence. He advocated for accelerating India’s comprehensive national power, reducing dependence in sensitive areas, and fostering pragmatic cooperation where possible.

Jaishankar described the India-China relationship as inherently complex due to their simultaneous rise, shared borders, historical baggage, and differing socio-political systems. He noted that past miscalculations by policymakers have hindered both cooperation and competition and that this dynamic has shifted significantly in the last decade. He emphasized the importance of political stability, inclusive growth, and economic reforms to navigate this challenge.

The Minister also highlighted India’s growing global relevance, attributing it to strong political leadership and citing the recent electoral victory as evidence. He lauded India’s proactive role in supporting its neighbours, using the example of Sri Lanka’s 2023 economic crisis, where India provided significant aid. While acknowledging challenges in relations with Myanmar and Afghanistan, he emphasized India’s commitment to fostering closer cooperation and addressing regional contingencies. He also noted the weaponization of market instruments and financial institutions as a global challenge requiring India to accelerate its internal growth and de-risk its external exposure.

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