Jaishankar: Lack of Understanding on Cross-Border Terrorism Can Affect India-US Relations

Cross-Border Terrorism Concerns Can Impact India-US Ties If Not Understood: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said cross-border terrorism remains one of India’s key concerns, warning that inadequate understanding of the issue among its partners could have an impact on bilateral relations. Jaishankar made the remarks while discussing India-US ties during a conversation hosted by the Asia Society in New York on Monday. He was responding to questions about the relationship amid differences over trade and tariffs and Washington’s closer engagement with Pakistan.

‘Terrorism Is Particularly Important for India’

Jaishankar said India had faced terrorism from a neighbouring country as part of what he described as a deliberate policy over several decades. “What for us in India is particularly important is the issue of terrorism,” he said, stressing that the issue carries particular significance for New Delhi.

He added that if a concern that is central to India’s national interests is not sufficiently understood or appreciated by a partner, it could affect the broader relationship. The comments come against the backdrop of increased US-Pakistan engagement under the Trump administration. India has also rejected US President Donald Trump’s claims that he helped bring an end to the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict.

Trade Deal Could Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Jaishankar also spoke about the ongoing India-US trade negotiations, saying the conclusion of an agreement could contribute to improving bilateral relations. He said expectations of rapid progress in the negotiations had encountered a more complicated economic reality, pointing to differences in the structure of the two countries’ economies.

“India is a society of small producers, small agriculture producers, small factories,” Jaishankar said, adding that negotiations therefore required patience and detailed discussions. He said there was now “more or less an understanding” on the trade agreement, although issues surrounding the US Section 301 process remained unresolved.

Section 301 Process Remains an Issue

The proposed trade agreement has been under negotiation as India and the US work through differences over tariffs and other trade-related matters. Jaishankar said the Section 301 process was still underway and that the question was when to conclude an agreement that was already at an advanced stage.

He acknowledged that the prolonged negotiations had created “bumps” in bilateral relations but said completing the agreement could help address one of the outstanding issues.

India Wants Relationship to Move Forward

Despite the differences, Jaishankar said New Delhi expected India-US relations to continue moving forward. He said progress would depend on the two sides addressing the issues confronting the partnership, including security concerns and trade-related differences.

“We would certainly hope for and expect the relationship to move on an upward trajectory,” Jaishankar said.