During a recent visit to the United States, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the strengthening relationship between India and the U.S. He noted that the Trump administration is prioritizing ties with India, aiming to enhance mutual interests and cooperation. Jaishankar expressed optimism that the partnership would grow “bigger, bolder, and more ambitious” under the current administration.
Jaishankar, who attended President Donald Trump’s inauguration as a special envoy for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shared insights with reporters at the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Over the past three days, he had significant discussions with key figures, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, covering various government leaders and congressional members.
Describing the emphasis from the Trump administration on bolstering the India relationship, Jaishankar said this initiative rests on a solid foundation established during the previous Trump presidency. He also mentioned the administration’s willingness to advance the Quad initiative, which aims to increase multinational cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Jaishankar emphasized that both countries share a clear understanding of their national interests and value mutual benefits. He noted their strong trust and alignment on various global and regional issues, suggesting that there is much both nations can accomplish together.
Despite this being the first day of the new administration, Jaishankar observed a consistent sentiment in his meetings about the need for India and the U.S. to pursue bolder initiatives with greater frequency. He pointed out that easing processes and regulations will be key to achieving a more productive relationship, identifying concerns over visa delays that hinder personal and professional exchanges.
Jaishankar expressed a desire to deepen collaboration in defense, technology, and other sectors. He affirmed that decades of trust and the camaraderie between the leaders of India and the U.S. foster a robust partnership.
When asked about potential summits between leaders, Jaishankar remained non-committal, but speculation about Modi’s upcoming visit to the U.S. has been circulating. Reflecting on his first attendance at a presidential inauguration, he remarked on the optimistic atmosphere of the new administration and the positive energy surrounding India-U.S. relations.
Lastly, when questioned about U.S. decisions to withdraw from international agreements, such as the Paris Accord and the WHO, Jaishankar acknowledged that countries have the right to make their own choices regarding such commitments. He briefly mentioned discussions about Bangladesh, although he didn’t provide specific details.
