External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has articulated that a lack of appreciation from the United States regarding India's primary security concerns, particularly terrorism, negatively affects the bilateral relationship. Speaking in a conversation with former American diplomat Daniel Russel, Jaishankar underscored the deep impact of terrorism on India, stating that few countries have endured such sustained threats.
Terrorism as a Core Concern
Jaishankar emphasized that terrorism holds profound significance for India, a nation that has faced decades of deliberate policy-driven terrorism from a neighboring country. He asserted that if such a critical concern is not met with sufficient understanding or empathy from a partner, it inevitably creates problems in the relationship.
"If one of my primary concerns is not fully appreciated by my partner, then clearly there is an impact of that on the relationship," Jaishankar stated, stressing India's expectation for its partners to comprehend its fundamental security priorities.
Stalled Trade Negotiations Add Friction
Beyond security, the External Affairs Minister also pointed to protracted trade negotiations as another source of strain between the two nations. He noted that while India and the US had reached a substantial understanding on a trade agreement, changes in Washington's tariff policy, including a move towards new measures under Section 301, have complicated its finalization.
Jaishankar explained that the complexity of these negotiations was underestimated due to the significant differences between the two economies. He highlighted India's societal structure, characterized by numerous small producers in agriculture and manufacturing, which makes the per-capita gap and production systems vastly different from those in the US, thereby slowing progress.
US Engagement with Pakistan Raises Indian Concerns
The diplomatic challenges are further compounded by renewed US engagement with Pakistan, particularly under the Trump administration. The article notes instances such as President Trump hosting Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir at the White House and later meeting him again with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the UN General Assembly session in September 2025.
These interactions, alongside Trump's claims of intervening to stop an India-Pakistan conflict after India's Operation Sindoor in May 2025 (following a terror attack in Pahalgam), contribute to India's apprehension regarding US policy in the region.
Charting a Path Forward
Despite the current difficulties, Jaishankar expressed hope for an upward trajectory in US-India relations but maintained a realistic perspective on the issues. He suggested that successfully concluding the long-pending trade agreement would be a crucial step towards improving ties.
"To the extent we are able to move ahead on some of these issues I think we'll have a better relationship," he concluded, signaling that tangible progress on these key concerns is vital for strengthening the strategic partnership.