External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that he is not surprised by Donald Trump’s foreign policy shift, perceiving it as beneficial for India. During his visit to the UK, he discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing concerns over trade tariffs.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed that he finds the foreign policy shift under President Donald Trump to be “not surprising” and potentially beneficial for India. Speaking in London, he emphasized that political leaders often strive to fulfill their agendas, which can lead to predictable policy shifts. He noted that Trump’s approach aligns with what he anticipated based on the President’s prior statements.
During his six-day diplomatic visit to the UK and Ireland, Jaishankar met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation, economic ties, and people-to-people interactions. Jaishankar acknowledged Trump’s indirect criticism of India’s tariffs in his address to Congress, particularly regarding the auto sector, where tariffs exceed 100 percent.
Jaishankar remarked that the events unfolding in US foreign policy have been expected and suggested surprise in responses to these changes is unwarranted. He conveyed optimism about the future of Indo-American relations, underlining that there is no historical baggage affecting the partnership currently, suggesting a clean slate in dealings with US Presidents in recent history.
In summary, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar views President Trump’s foreign policy as anticipated and advantageous for India. His comments during his diplomatic trip highlight the potential for strong bilateral relations and a proactive approach to policy alignment. The focus on collaboration with the UK further underscores India’s strategic interests in navigating international relations amidst changing foreign policy landscapes.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
