The Donald Trump administration is taking the United States towards a multipolar world order, a development that suits India's strategic interests, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar said. He also disclosed that both countries have agreed on the need for a bilateral trade agreement.
Addressing a session called India's Rise and Role in the World at the London-based Chatham House think tank on Wednesday night, Jaishankar was questioned regarding his evaluation of the first few weeks of the new US administration, especially in terms of Trump's tariff policy.
In our perspective, this administration is tilting towards a multipolar world order, which is convenient for India," Jaishankar said. He is on a six-day visit to the UK and Ireland. "From President Trump's point of view, the Quad is a huge collective effort where all participants are contributing equally… No free riders. It's a working model," he said, talking about the strategic partnership between the US, India, Japan, and Australia.
Talking on the tariff matter, Jaishankar recalled that Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is already in Washington negotiating a trade pact, after consultations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump at White House last month. "There was a very candid exchange between us on the tariffs, and the result of that exchange was a shared decision on the need for a two-way trade arrangement," he revealed.
In his discussion with Chatham House Director Bronwen Maddox, Jaishankar also discussed the current negotiations on an India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He was "cautiously optimistic" about the agreement, especially after meeting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.
It's a complicated process, and with its complexity, it's only to be expected that it takes time. But from my conversations, I got a clear and consistent message that the UK is eager to proceed. I also expressed a couple of concerns expressed by my colleagues. I am cautiously optimistic and hope the process does not drag too long," he said.
Jaishankar's address also covered key issues of foreign policy, such as India's participation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, activities within the BRICS grouping, and relations with China.
We are one of the few countries that have maintained steady contact with both Moscow and Kyiv at different levels. Whenever there has been a window of opportunity in which India could be a positive player, we have always been willing to do so. Our stand has always been clear—direct talks between the two sides are necessary," he said.
Talking of India-China relations, he did admit some progress since October 2024, mentioning the re-opening of the Mount Kailash pilgrimage route in Tibet as a good move.
"Our relationship with China is special. We are the only two countries with a population over a billion… What we are looking for is a relationship of mutual respect, respect for each other's sensitivities, and one that will be beneficial to both countries," he said.
Replying to a question from the audience about Kashmir, Jaishankar detailed three steps: "The abrogation of Article 370 was the first step. Restoring economic growth and social justice in Kashmir was the second step. The third step is conducting elections with a high turnout.".
But the last piece of the jigsaw is the restoration of the illegally occupied portion of Kashmir that is still in Pakistan's hands. Once that is done, I assure you, the Kashmir question will be settled completely," he claimed.
Jaishankar will meet Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris on Thursday for more talks.
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