S Jaishankar says

London:

The US administration under President Donald Trump is moving towards multi -polarity which is in line with India’s interests, and the two countries have agreed to the need for bilateral trade treaty, said Jaishankar of the Foreign Minister (EAM).

During a session titled ‘India’s Rise and Roll in the World’ at the Chautham House Think Tank in London on Wednesday evening, the EAM was asked about his views in the first few weeks of the new US government and in particular, about Trump’s mutual tariffs.

“We look at a president and a administration, moving towards multicolor, in our parlus and this is something that suits for India,” said Mr. Jaishankar, who is on a six -day visit to Britain and Ireland.

“From the point of view of President Trump, a large shared venture we have is a quad, a understanding where everyone pays their right part … it does not include no free riders. So it is a good model that works,” he said. The Quad alliance includes the US, India, Australia and Japan.

On the specific issue of the tariff, the minister said that Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is currently to discuss a bilateral trade agreement in Washington, after discussion between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump at the White House last month.

He said, “We had a very open conversation about it (tariff) and the result of that conversation was that we agreed to the need for a bilateral trade agreement,” he said.

During the exchange of Chautham House director Bronwen Madox, the EAM covered a comprehensive spectrum of issues, including the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) conversation after its ministerial discussion in the last few days.

“This is a very complex process. Therefore, given the complexity, it is natural that it will take time … Prime Minister (Keer), Foreign Secretary David Lammi and (Business) Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, from my discussions with my discussions, I got a consistent message that I am also interested in moving forward. I am also interested in my relationship.

India’s role in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the BRICS Group’s trajectory and ties with China, were among other major foreign policy issues.

“We have been one of the few countries that are regularly talking to both Moscow and Kiev at various levels … wherever it is wise that India can do something, we have always been open -minded about it. Our consistent situation is that they need to hold direct talks,” he said.

On China, Shri Jaishankar mentioned some positive movement since October 2024, including the inauguration of the Mount Kailash pilgrimage route in Tibet.

He said, “The world has a very unique relationship with China as countries with only more than two billion population … We want a relationship where our interests are respected, sensitivity is recognized and works for both of us,” he said.

Responding to an audience’s question on “solving” issues in Kashmir, the minister said: “Article 370 was deleted step number one, to restore development and economic activity and social justice in Kashmir and restore social justice phase number two, and the election with a very high voting was step number three.

“I think the part we are waiting for is the return of the theft part of Kashmir which is under illegal Pakistani occupation. When this is done, I assure you that Kashmir will be resolved.” Shri Jaishankar has been scheduled to negotiate with his Irish counterpart Simon Harris on Thursday.