Jaishankar says gaps over terrorism affect India-US ties

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said differences over terrorism are affecting India-US relations, particularly when New Delhi’s concerns about attacks linked to its neighbour are not fully understood or appreciated. Speaking at an Asia Society event after the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly, Jaishankar said terrorism was one of India’s primary concerns.

He referred to what he described as a deliberate policy of terrorism from a neighbouring country, without naming Pakistan directly in the quoted remarks. Jaishankar said that when an issue of such importance to India was not sufficiently understood by a partner, it created difficulties in the relationship. His comments came amid wider tensions involving tariffs, trade, Russian energy purchases by India and Washington’s renewed engagement with Pakistan.

He said India hoped and expected its relationship with the United States to move in an upward direction, but added that both countries had to address the issues confronting them before ties could improve. India and the US have also disagreed over the handling of India-Pakistan tensions. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he stopped the conflict, while India has denied third-party intervention.

The remarks followed increased US engagement with Pakistan during Trump’s second administration, including meetings with Pakistani leaders and Field Marshal Asim Munir. Jaishankar did not provide a new policy announcement. He said progress on the outstanding issues would help create a better relationship.

The supplied material did not indicate whether the United States had responded to his remarks.