Jaishankar Flags Trade, Russian Energy, Mediation as Friction Points in India-US Ties

External affairs minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday said three issues currently affect India-US relations — trade negotiations, energy purchases from Russia, and Washington’s assertions of mediation between India and Pakistan — while stressing that New Delhi’s “red lines” in trade talks protect the interests of farmers and small producers.

Speaking at a media conclave, Jaishankar acknowledged differences but said other aspects of the partnership with the US were moving forward. “Negotiations are still going on in the sense that nobody said the negotiations are off, and people do talk to each other,” he said, rejecting reports that talks on a bilateral trade deal had stalled.

Jaishankar described trade as the most important issue, reiterating that India would not compromise on farmers’ and small producers’ interests. On Russian energy imports, he argued that criticism of India was inconsistent since the EU and China import far more from Moscow. “If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, don’t buy it. Nobody forced you to buy it. But Europe buys, America buys,” he said.

The US administration has announced a 25% punitive tariff on Indian exports from August 28 over Russian oil purchases, in addition to an existing 25% levy. Jaishankar noted that India’s energy decisions were based on strategic autonomy and pointed out that discussions with Washington in 2022 had recognised the stabilising role of Indian purchases.

The minister also dismissed US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims of mediating during India-Pakistan hostilities in May. “For more than 50 years now, there is a national consensus in this country that we do not accept mediation in our relations with Pakistan,” he said, adding that Pakistan sought a ceasefire only after suffering heavy military losses.

Jaishankar further clarified that the recent improvement in India-China ties was not linked to strains with Washington. He said initiatives announced during Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi’s visit were the result of talks since October 2024, after disengagement along the Line of Actual Control. “If the border is stable, predictable, free of incidents, then there is a natural improvement in the rest of the relationship,” he said.