India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has stated that under President Donald Trump’s leadership, the US administration is moving towards a multilateral framework, which aligns well with India's interests. As per agency reports, both countries have agreed on the necessity of a bilateral trade agreement.
Speaking at a session titled "India’s Rise and Role in the World" at Chatham House in London on Wednesday evening, Jaishankar addressed questions about the early actions of the new US administration, particularly Trump’s tariff policies. He emphasized that the current administration's approach reflects a shift towards a multilateral order, which is beneficial for India.
During his six-day visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland, Jaishankar also discussed the strategic Indo-Pacific alliance known as the Quad, which includes the US, India, Australia, and Japan. He highlighted that the Quad operates on a shared responsibility model where all member nations contribute fairly, making it an effective framework for cooperation.
On the subject of tariffs, Jaishankar mentioned that India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is currently in Washington to discuss the bilateral trade agreement. This follows discussions held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump at the White House last month. Jaishankar noted that both nations had engaged in open discussions on trade policies, leading to a consensus on the need for a structured trade agreement.
During his conversation with Chatham House Director Bronwen Maddox, Jaishankar also expressed cautious optimism about the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He acknowledged the complexities involved in the negotiation process, emphasizing that such intricacies naturally require time. However, based on his discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, he conveyed that the UK government remains keen on advancing the deal.
Addressing key foreign policy issues, Jaishankar spoke about India's role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, its stance within the BRICS bloc, and relations with China. He pointed out that India is among the few nations that maintain regular dialogues with both Moscow and Kyiv at various levels. He reiterated India's position that direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are necessary for any meaningful resolution and affirmed that India remains open to facilitating peace efforts wherever feasible.
Regarding China, Jaishankar highlighted recent positive developments, including the reopening of the pilgrimage route to Mount Kailash in Tibet. He described India-China relations as unique due to the sheer population size of both nations, adding that India seeks a relationship that respects mutual interests and sensitivities while ensuring a functional engagement between the two countries.
When asked about the situation in Kashmir, Jaishankar outlined the three key steps India has undertaken: the abrogation of Article 370, the restoration of economic and social development, and the successful conduct of elections with high voter participation. He further stated that the unresolved aspect remains the retrieval of the region currently under Pakistan’s unlawful occupation. He assured that once this issue is resolved, the Kashmir dispute will reach its conclusion.
Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to Ireland on Thursday, where he will engage in discussions with his Irish counterpart, Simon Harris.
