EAM Jaishankar Says US Lacks Understanding of India’s Security Concerns, Calls It a Problem
New York: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that Washington’s inadequate appreciation of India’s core security priorities is a major hurdle in bilateral ties. He was speaking at the Asia Society in New York.
Appearing at the event alongside Daniel Russel, a former US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Jaishankar observed that the United States has adopted India’s long-standing diplomatic approach of strategic autonomy. According to him, Washington now manages a diverse network of international partnerships at the same time, marking a distinct shift in its foreign policy posture.
Speaking plainly on the issue, Jaishankar pointed to Pakistan’s long-standing track record of weaponising terrorism as an instrument of state policy. He said India has been a victim of terrorism for a long time and noted that security remains “particularly important” for the country.
He cautioned against foreign policy approaches that overlook such vital national interests. “Now, if something which matters so deeply to us, there isn’t enough understanding or appreciation or empathy of that, I think that creates a problem,” he said.
The External Affairs Minister added, “If one of my primary concerns is not fully appreciated by my partner, then clearly there is an impact on that on the relationship.”
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Describing the current diplomatic landscape, Jaishankar said, “Pretty much what people used to say about us, Washington is today practising with a great deal of gusto.” He went on to say, “You’re dealing with China, you’re dealing with Russia, with Ukraine, with other parts of Asia or with Europe.” Reflecting on this, he observed, “So actually, Washington was doing what India had practised.”
Speaking on the structural evolution of international relations, Jaishankar affirmed, “And that is how we are heading towards a multipolar world.” Revisiting the chewing gum metaphor, he added, “Everybody is going to be chewing it.”
He explained that nations are increasingly driven by pragmatic objectives, saying, “Everybody is actually going to get the best deal that they can out of a given situation from a much more sharper definition of their interest.”