External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a stringent message regarding India's stance on terrorism and its relationship with Pakistan, unequivocally stating that 'You can't ask for water and continue terrorism.' Speaking at the inauguration of Shaastra 2026- IIT Madras Techno-Entertainment fest on January 2, 2026, the Minister underlined that cooperation, including water-sharing arrangements like the Indus Waters Treaty, cannot coexist with persistent cross-border terrorism. Jaishankar emphasized India's inherent right to defend its citizens against terrorism, asserting that 'nobody can tell us what we should or should not do. We will do whatever we have to do to defend ourselves.' He characterized Pakistan as a 'bad neighbour' that 'deliberately, persistently and unrepentantly' continues with terrorism, thereby undermining the very foundation of good neighbourly relations. The remarks came in the backdrop of India's decision to review and potentially put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance following a Pakistan-backed terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. This incident, along with others like a car blast near Delhi's Red Fort in November 2025, further solidified India's resolve for a 'zero tolerance' approach to terrorism. The Minister's statements reflect a hardened counter-terrorism posture and a clear red line that engagement cannot be separated from a country's behavior concerning terrorism. Multiple credible news outlets corroborate these statements, confirming the accuracy and significance of the reporting.