External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday highlighted the growing importance of the India-US partnership in addressing global challenges.
Speaking to the media in Washington DC, he emphasized the strategic role of the Quad in maintaining regional stability and praised the evolving bilateral relationship with the United States, with India emerging as a key player in tackling global issues like climate change and security.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties with the Trump Administration
Jaishankar acknowledged the Trump administration’s strong commitment to deepening ties with India, describing it as a relationship built on a robust foundation. He highlighted how the administration was keen to have India’s presence at the inaugural event and expressed strong interest in advancing the bilateral relationship.
“If I were to share my overall impressions, I would say one, it was very keen. It was very clear that the Trump administration was keen to have India present at the inaugural itself. They’re clearly prioritising the bilateral relationship,” Jaishankar said.
“Secondly, in the meetings, it was also evident that they would like to build on the foundation of the relationship, a foundation which the first Trump administration also contributed a lot to building. President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, at that time, took a number of initiatives, and we have seen that mature in many ways,” he added.
Jaishankar also discussed the Trump administration’s commitment to furthering the Quad alliance, which includes the US, India, Japan, and Australia, noting a shared desire to “intensify its activities.”
Advancing the Quad’s Indo-Pacific Vision
Reaffirming India’s optimism about the Quad’s growing significance, Jaishankar reiterated that the partnership is crucial for fostering regional security and economic resilience in the Indo-Pacific.
A joint statement issued by the Quad Foreign Ministers on Tuesday emphasized their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, upholding democratic values, sovereignty, and international law.
“Our four nations maintain our conviction that international law, economic opportunity, peace, stability, and security in all domains, including the maritime domain, underpin the development and prosperity of the peoples of the Indo-Pacific”, the statement said.
Call for Accountability in San Francisco Consulate Attack
Jaishankar condemned the 2023 arson attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, describing it as a “very serious matter” and called for those responsible to be held accountable. The attack, believed to be orchestrated by pro-Khalistani protestors, involved criminal trespass, arson, and property damage. US authorities strongly condemned the incident and initiated an investigation.
“We would like to see that people who did it are held responsible,” he said,” Jaishankar said.
India’s Position on Migration: Legitimate Return and Legal Mobility
Jaishankar addressed India’s position on migration, expressing openness to the “legitimate return” of Indian nationals living abroad illegally. He made it clear that while India is against illegal migration, it supports legal mobility, promoting the movement of Indian talent and skills globally.
“If there are any of our citizens who are not here legally, and if we are sure that they are our citizens, we have always been open to their legitimate return to India,” he said.
He stressed that India firmly opposes illegal migration, citing its negative impact on the nation’s reputation and its potential to fuel other illegal activities.
He also emphasized the need for smoother legal migration channels between India and the US.
