New York, September 29 (Daily Kiran) : India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar announced in New York that a consensus has largely been reached regarding a trade agreement between India and the United States. However, he noted that changes in U.S. tariff policies have complicated the timeline for finalizing the deal.
Jaishankar described the proposed trade agreement as significantly advanced. He emphasized that if the deal is completed, it could help redirect the relationship between the two nations toward a more positive trajectory after facing challenges.
During a Q&A session, Jaishankar stated, “We have reached a point where there is a rough consensus on the trade agreement.” He pointed out that the next step depends on what changes have occurred on the U.S. side.
He highlighted that modifications in the basis for imposing tariffs in the U.S. and the ongoing ‘Section 301’ process make it difficult for India to determine when to finalize the long-discussed agreement.
Jaishankar also mentioned the complexities of India’s economy, which includes a significant number of small farmers and producers. He noted that India’s production framework differs considerably from that of the U.S.
“Trade negotiations require a degree of patience, and every aspect must be examined closely to ensure the discussions yield the right outcomes,” he stated.
He acknowledged that the time taken to reach mutual understanding has caused some fluctuations in the relationship over the past year.
Jaishankar also addressed two additional issues affecting India’s perspective on its relationship with the U.S.: terrorism and mobility. He stressed that terrorism is a particularly critical concern for India, having faced numerous attacks from neighboring countries over the years. If a partner does not fully understand this major concern, it can impact bilateral relations.
He remarked, “If my partner does not fully grasp one of my greatest concerns, it will undoubtedly affect our relationship.”
Regarding the issue of mobility, Jaishankar noted that political concerns in parts of the U.S. are conflicting with the economic benefits of increased mobility. He indicated that this issue also shapes public perception of the India-U.S. relationship.
According to Jaishankar, diplomacy in democratic countries can no longer solely occur between governments, leaders, and diplomats, as public opinion plays an increasingly significant role.
He expressed hope that the relationship would continue to improve, but acknowledged that both nations must address the issues before them.
Jaishankar’s comments came during a major discussion on the changing global order. He pointed out that as competition among nations intensifies, countries are seeking more partners and options. Nevertheless, he emphasized that global economies remain deeply interconnected.
He noted that the current U.S. trade policy is affecting partner nations, even those that have no involvement in the activities prompting Washington’s actions.
Over the past two decades, India and the U.S. have expanded their cooperation across various sectors, including trade, technology, defense, and education. However, differences remain regarding market access and other policy issues. Both countries are members of the Quad, which also includes Australia and Japan.
India has long sought to maintain the flexibility to make independent foreign policy decisions while strengthening ties with the U.S.
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