Brussels/New Delhi, June 10 (UNI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that India is hopeful of reaching a trade deal with the US before the tariff suspension ends on July 9.
In an interview to leading French daily Li Figaro, the EAM, to a question “Washington is threatening Delhi with 26% tariffs” and if India still maintains good relations with the Trump administration, said:
“For over a quarter-century, under five US presidents, our ties with the US have continuously strengthened. Structural forces—economic, technological, educational, scientific, strategic, military—are driving this relationship.
“The threat of reciprocal tariffs was raised on April 2, but we had already begun bilateral negotiations for a trade agreement. Prime Minister Modi was hosted by Donald Trump in February, and they agreed to expand access to each other’s markets.
“We are hopeful of reaching an agreement before the tariff suspension ends on July 9.”
Asked for his views about “Trump’s foreign policy”, he said “we see the US acting in line with its immediate self-interest”.
“From our perspective, we noticed early on his interest in the Quad (dialogue between the US, India, Japan, and Australia) and his firm commitment to advancing it. Regarding the rest of the world, we see the US acting in line with its immediate self-interest. To be honest, I would do the same with them.”
Asked if India would like to wish for reconciliation between Trump and Putin, Jaishankar said that the issue is not just about two men but that an urgent solution needs to be found to the Ukraine conflict.
“It’s not just about two men. We’ve always believed that an urgent solution to the war in Ukraine must be found—and that it won’t come from the battlefield. There must be direct negotiation between the parties, the sooner the better. We don’t prescribe the outcome; that’s for the parties involved to decide.”
Q: So you don’t want to take sides?
“No. We’ve helped both Ukraine and Russia as much as we could. My Prime Minister has been to Moscow and also to Kyiv. In Europe, your approach is different because you’re part of Europe. But it’s different for other countries.
“Large parts of the world—from Africa to Latin America to the Pacific islands—feel their economies and stability have been negatively affected by this conflict. The world wants it to stop. On this issue, we speak on behalf of the Global South.”
Asked what the “Global South” represent to India, he said:
“It refers to developing countries that have endured the painful legacy of colonization and are now trying to rebuild their societies and economies and earn the place they deserve in the international order. There is a sense of solidarity between us that makes us stronger—we saw it during Covid. India doesn’t have a very high per capita GDP, but we still support the development of 78 other Global South countries.”
To a question, that “Indian society experiences internal tensions, notably with its large Muslim minority of 200 million. Could that affect India’s image,” the EAM responded, by saying he “rejects the premise of the question”.
“That is largely exaggerated, and sometimes outright false. When it comes to diversity, we are very different from Europe. Here, nations are typically based on one language, often one religion. Uniformity is your natural state, and you struggle with diversity.
“But we have always lived amid diversity. For us, multiple languages, beliefs, ethnicities, and traditions are part of who we are. Religion is only one facet of our identity. That’s why I reject the premise of your question.”
Asked if India should have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, he said:
“We are the most populous country on the planet, the fourth or fifth largest economy by volume, we are increasingly active on the world stage—through peacekeeping, through contributing to regional prosperity and stability. Many of our actions positively impact other nations.
“Are we ready to take on a greater role? Yes. It’s not just our wish—many countries are calling for it. The UN is 80 years old and struggling with its responsibilities. So would the world be better off? The answer is yes again.”
UNI RN