EAM S Jaishankar criticises Donald Trump’s foreign policy.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has strongly criticised former US President Donald Trump’s approach to foreign policy. He said the world has never seen an American President conduct diplomacy so publicly.
Speaking at a media event in Delhi, Jaishankar remarked, "We have never had a US President who's conducted foreign policy as publicly as the current one. That in itself is a departure that's not limited to India… President Trump's way of dealing with the world, even dealing with his own country, is a very major departure from the traditional orthodox manner of doing so."
His comments come at a time when India and the US are facing friction over tariffs, trade, and Trump’s claim of mediating between India and Pakistan.
Trump had earlier claimed that Washington helped mediate during the four-day India-Pakistan conflict in May. Jaishankar firmly rejected this, repeating India’s long-held position.
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He stated, "On the issue of mediating (India-Pak conflict), since the 1970s, for more than 50 years now, there's a national consensus in this country that we do not accept mediation in our relations with Pakistan."
S. Jaishankar’s remarks underline India’s consistent stand that any talks with Pakistan will remain bilateral.
The US recently imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, which created tensions in trade relations. Jaishankar made it clear that India would not compromise on protecting its farmers and small producers.
"When it comes to trade, the interests of farmers, when it comes to our strategic autonomy, when it comes to opposition to mediation, this government is very clear. Our positions are there," he said.
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He challenged critics to explain why they oppose India’s stance. "If anybody disagrees with us, please tell the people of India that you are not prepared to defend the interests of farmers. Please tell the people of India you don't value strategic autonomy."
Jaishankar also criticised Washington’s complaints about India’s oil trade. He said it was ironic that a “pro-business American administration” was interfering in business choices.
"If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, don't buy it. Nobody forces you to buy it. Europe buys, America buys, so you don't like it, don't buy it," Jaishankar said.
Even though a planned US delegation visit to India in August was cancelled, Jaishankar said the trade dialogue has not broken down. "Negotiations are still going on in the sense that nobody said the negotiations are off.
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People do talk to each other. It's not like there's a 'katti' (breaking friendship) there," he explained. His remarks show that despite sharp differences, both nations remain engaged in talks, though India has drawn clear red lines.
