S. Jaishankar stated that the U.S. foreign policy shift under Trump is beneficial for India and not surprising, citing anticipated economic changes and an absence of historical grievances between nations. His visit aims to enhance bilateral cooperation with the UK.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed that the recent foreign policy shift under United States President Donald Trump did not come as a surprise. In a discussion in London, Jaishankar articulated that this shift holds multiple advantages for India. The minister made these comments while engaging with Bronwen Maddox, the Director of Chatham House, as part of his six-day visit to the UK and Ireland to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation.
During his visit, Jaishankar met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to deliberate on advancing bilateral economic cooperation and improving people-to-people exchanges between the two nations. He remarked that political leaders often pursue their agenda, and while they may not achieve all their objectives, they typically remain committed to their promises.
Highlighting that many developments in the initial weeks of Trump’s presidency were anticipated, Jaishankar noted, “So I’m a little surprised that people are surprised.” He acknowledged that these policies could be beneficial for India, stressing that the country has maintained a stable relationship with various U.S. presidents without significant historical burdens.
Jaishankar emphasized that India has no residual grievances with the United States, interpreting the renewed focus on trade and tariffs as part of a broader expected trend in U.S. foreign policy under Trump. This fresh approach may open avenues for more robust cooperation between India and the United States moving forward.
In summary, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has articulated his view that the recent foreign policy changes under President Trump are not surprising and may actually benefit India. His discussions in the UK underscore a focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation without the historical baggage that often complicates international relations. The minister’s insights reflect optimism regarding the future dynamics of U.S.-India relations.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
