India-US diplomatic and policy tensions

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has voiced significant criticism regarding United States policies. In early October, Jaishankar expressed dissatisfaction with Washington’s approach to terrorism and its perceived increasing closeness to Pakistan. He further characterized US trade policies as “self-centered,” arguing they negatively impact Global South nations and fail to account for the economic complexities of countries like India.

By late October, the diplomatic discourse shifted toward a broader condemnation of terrorism. Speaking at the 75th anniversary of the Chinmaya Mission, Jaishankar stated that using terrorism as an “instrument of statecraft” is unacceptable and can never be justified. He noted that such practices continue because some states prioritize political calculations over a zero-tolerance approach. Jaishankar emphasized that “war anywhere threatens peace everywhere,” referencing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, while advocating for dialogue and diplomacy as the primary solutions to global instability.