Donald Trump's Move Towards Multipolarity Suits India: EAM Jaishankar
The US administration under President Donald Trump is moving towards multipolarity, a shift that aligns with India’s interests, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar stated during an event in London. Jaishankar also highlighted the progress towards a bilateral trade agreement between the two nations.
Speaking at a session titled ‘India’s Rise and Role in the World’ at Chatham House, Jaishankar addressed questions on the Trump administration’s initial policies, including reciprocal tariffs.
“We see a president and an administration which, in our parlance, is moving towards multipolarity and that is something that suits India”, said Jaishankar, who is on a six-day visit to the UK and Ireland.
Jaishankar emphasized the significance of the Quad alliance, comprising the US, India, Australia, and Japan. “From President Trump's perspective, the one big shared enterprise that we have is the Quad, which is an understanding where everybody pays their fair share… There are no free riders involved. So that's a good model which works”, he noted.
On the subject of tariffs, Jaishankar revealed that Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is in Washington to negotiate a bilateral trade deal, following recent discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump at the White House.
“We had a very open conversation about it (tariffs) and the result of that conversation was that we agreed on the need for a bilateral trade agreement”, Jaishankar said.
The minister also expressed cautious optimism about the ongoing India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. He cited productive discussions with British leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.
“It’s a very complicated process. So, given the complexity, it’s natural that it would take time… from my discussions with Prime Minister (Keir) Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and [Business] Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, I got a consistent message that the British side is also interested in moving forward. I had a few points to convey on behalf of my concerned colleagues as well. So, I'm cautiously optimistic and hope that it doesn’t take that long,” he said.
Addressing India’s role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to facilitating dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv.
“We have been one of the few countries who have been regularly talking to both Moscow and Kyiv at various levels… Wherever there’s been a sense that India can do something, we have always been open-minded about it. Our consistent position has been that they need to do direct negotiations,” he stated.
Regarding China, Jaishankar noted positive developments since October 2024, including the reopening of the Mount Kailash pilgrimage route in Tibet.
“We have a very, very unique relationship with China as the only two billion plus populated countries in the world… we want a relationship where our interests are respected, sensitivities are recognised and works for both of us”, he said.
Responding to an audience question on Kashmir, Jaishankar detailed India’s approach to resolving long-standing issues.
“Removing Article 370 was step number one, restoring growth and economic activity and social justice in Kashmir was step number two, and holding elections with a very high turnout was step number three. I think the part we are waiting for is the return of the stolen part of Kashmir which is under illegal Pakistani occupation. When that is done, I assure you Kashmir will be solved”, he asserted.
Jaishankar is set to meet with his Irish counterpart, Simon Harris, for further discussions on Thursday.
