External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said India-US relations have faced some “bumps” because of complex trade negotiations, uncertainty over US tariffs and differences over India’s concerns about cross-border terrorism. He made the remarks during an Asia Society event in New York.
Trade Talks Proving More Complicated
Jaishankar said expectations that the India-US trade agreement would move quickly were tested by the complexity of negotiations.
He pointed to India’s large number of small producers, agricultural producers and factories, saying these factors make negotiations more complicated than initially expected. He added that there is now “more or less an understanding” on the trade agreement.
Tariff Changes Add Uncertainty
The minister also highlighted changes in the US tariff framework as another challenge. According to Jaishankar, changes in the American approach to tariffs have created uncertainty over when the two countries should finalise an agreement that is already at an advanced stage.
Terrorism Remains a Major Indian Concern
Jaishankar also stressed that terrorism remains one of India’s primary security concerns. He said India expects its partners to better understand and appreciate its concerns about terrorism originating from Pakistan.
He said that if a major security concern for one partner is not sufficiently understood by the other, it can have an impact on the overall relationship.
India-US Relationship Continues
Despite highlighting these differences, Jaishankar said progress on the trade agreement could contribute to putting bilateral ties on a better track. His comments came as India and the US continue discussions on trade, tariffs and broader strategic issues