External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that the US administration led by US President Donald Trump is moving towards the multi -polar system which is favorable to India’s interests and both countries have agreed to the need for bilateral trade agreement.
The Foreign Minister was questioned during the session held on Wednesday evening at the ‘Chautham House Think Tank’ in London ‘India’s rise and role in the world’ on Wednesday evening, the Foreign Minister was questioned about the steps taken in the first few weeks of the new US government, especially Trump’s fee scheme.
Jaishankar said, “We are looking at a President and administration that is moving towards a multi -polar system and is suited to India.” Jaishankar is on a six -day visit to Britain and Ireland. He said, “From the point of view of President Trump, we have a big shared undertaking ‘quad’ that gives a understanding where everyone gives his own share … It does not get a good model in it. Is.”
‘Quad’ includes America, India, Australia and Japan. On the specific issue of fees, the minister said that Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is currently in Washington to discuss bilateral trade agreement. Earlier last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump held talks in the ‘White House’ (official residence and office of the President of the US).
Jaishankar said, “We spoke very openly on this (fee) subject and the result of that conversation was that we agreed to the need for bilateral trade agreement.”
During a conversation with Bronven Madox, director of ‘Chautham House’, the Foreign Minister held extensive discussions on several issues including his “vigilant optimism” on talks related to the Indo-Bitten Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
He said, “This is a very complex process, so it is natural that it will take time … (British’s) Prime Minister (Care) Stormer, Foreign Minister David Lami and (Commerce) Minister Jonathan Rendolds, my discussions with my discussions with me continuously received the message that the British side is also interested in moving forward.”
Jaishankar said, “….. I am a vigilant optimistic” and hope that it will not take much time. “
Important issues related to foreign policy discussed India’s role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Rashtra Group’s stand and relations with China.
He said, “We are in some countries that have been regularly interacting with both Moscow and Kiev at various levels … Wherever it has been felt that India can do something, we have always been thinking about it with an open mind. It has been our constant attitude that they need to talk directly. ”
In relation to China, Jaishankar referred to some positive progress since October 2024, including the opening of the pilgrimage route of Kailash mountain in Tibet.
He said, “Our relations with China are very unique, because only the population of both our countries in the world is more than two billion … We want a relationship in which our interests are respected, recognized sensitivity and who works for both of us.”
Responding to the question asked about solving issues in Kashmir, the minister said, “The removal of Article 370 was the first step, it was the second step to restore development and economic activity and social justice in Kashmir and it was the third step to hold elections in which a large number of people voted.”
He said, “I think what we are waiting for is to get back the part of Kashmir which is in the illegal occupation of Pakistan. I assure you that when this happens, Kashmir will be resolved. “
Jaishankar will interact with his counterpart Simon Harris on Thursday.
