In a candid interaction during his visit to Brussels, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored India’s pragmatic foreign policy stance by downplaying the importance of individual world leaders like US President Donald Trump. When asked whether India could trust Trump, S Jaishankar responded with a measured statement: “I take the world as I find it.” His remarks reflected India’s focus on sustaining strategic relationships based on national interest rather than the personalities leading foreign governments.
Focus on Strategic Interests, Not Individuals
Speaking to Euractiv, a European media network, S Jaishankar clarified that India’s foreign policy is built on strengthening relationships that align with its strategic goals, irrespective of leadership changes. “It’s not about personality X or president Y,” he said when asked whether Trump was a reliable partner. He further emphasized that the India-US relationship is of “immense importance” and is pursued for what it delivers to India, not who is at the helm.
The comments come amid growing friction between New Delhi and Washington over Trump’s repeated claims of brokering peace between India and Pakistan. Trump recently told supporters he had stopped the two countries from engaging in conflict by tying trade discussions to a ceasefire agreement. According to Trump, threats of halting trade helped push both nations toward de-escalation. However, India has rejected such assertions and maintained that the ceasefire following Operation Sindoor was a direct result of bilateral engagement with Pakistan, with no third-party mediation.
Operation Sindoor and Global Trust
S Jaishankar also urged Western nations to view India’s Operation Sindoor not as a traditional military skirmish with Pakistan, but as part of a larger counterterrorism effort. He cited the Pahalgam attack as a trigger for the operation and reminded the world of Pakistan’s history of harbouring terrorists, referencing Osama bin Laden’s presence in a Pakistani military town. “That very same terrorism will eventually come back to haunt you,” he warned Western leaders.
Shifting to Europe’s role in global geopolitics, S Jaishankar acknowledged the European Union’s aspirations for “strategic autonomy” and encouraged Europe to act independently in a multipolar world. Calling the EU a “major pole,” he said India was keen on deepening ties with Europe, not just for trade and counterterrorism, but to shape a more balanced and multipolar international order.
