S Jaishankar: At the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar noted that no U.S. president has engaged in foreign policy in as “public” a way as President Donald Trump, and he said this shift represents a definitive change from norms of the past.
He stated that Trump’s public handling of both domestic and world events is something we have not seen before, describing it as a different kind of approach, and while it is unusual, it is characteristic of the Foreign Policy style of this current U.S. administration.
At the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, I noted how President Trump’s approach to foreign policy is a definitive shift from the past. A very public way of engaging on both domestic and world events—a different kind of style that is unprecedented.
India is buying crude oil from Russia, China, and Tariff
The crux of the issue is the Trump administration’s abrupt decision to raise tariffs on Indian goods to 50%—25% is the initial “reciprocal tariff” and then the additional 25% penalty due to India’s Russian oil purchases, to become effective August 27.
S Jaishankar pushed back heavily, saying U.S. logic confuses India—especially considering they asked India to buy Russian crude to help temper rising global oil prices. He asked why India gets singled out when China is the biggest importer.
Jaishankar tweeted, “Our oil imports from Russia are about securing India’s national energy needs and helping stabilize global prices. This is not for profit. Energy supply diversification is an imperative in a world of uncertainty. We buy from the U.S. too.”
S Jaishankar: Market Stability, Not Profit
India’s external affairs minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that India’s oil imports from Russia are not made for profit but for two reasons: securing national energy needs and helping stabilize global oil prices. When responding to criticism, Jaishankar bluntly stated, “If you’re not a fan, then don’t buy it.” He indicated that India buys oil from the U.S., as well, challenging the charge that their purchasing decision is political or profit-driven. From New Delhi’s perspective, in a time of uncertainty, energy supply diversification is imperative.
S Jaishankar: India’s Trade Red Lines
With respect to trade relations with Washington, Jaishankar stated that India is open to discussions, but in doing so, will not sacrifice core principles. He stated that protecting Indian farmers and small businesses are ‘red lines’ that the government will remain ‘firm’ on in any trade discussions. While indicating willingness for discussions, India has signaled that no amount of external pressure will sway the government from its national economic priorities.
On India’s Trade “Red Lines Jaishankar tweet “We are open to trade discussions with Washington, but India will not compromise on its core principles. The interests of our farmers and small businesses are our ‘red lines.’ We are firm on this. External pressure will not change our national economic priorities.
