Does Pakistan Really Influence India-US Relations?
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Synopsis
In a recent statement, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar firmly refuted the idea that Pakistan impacts the US-India relationship, emphasizing the importance of their direct ties. Learn how this perspective shapes the future of bilateral relations and what it means for global diplomacy.
Key Takeaways
- India and the US relationship is independent of Pakistan.
- Self-confidence is crucial for India's global standing.
- Trade and technology are key areas of collaboration.
- Defence and energy discussions are gaining importance.
- Big relationships focus on mutual benefits.
Washington, July 3 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar has rejected the idea that Pakistan affects the relationship between the US and India, asserting that their ties are based on mutual benefits rather than influenced by third parties.
He also dismissed US President Donald Trump's assertion that he was responsible for establishing a ceasefire between the two nations after Operation Sindoor, emphasizing that the facts are clear.
"I would strongly encourage you to move past the notion that we need to define ourselves in relation to third countries to make progress" in our relationship with the US, Jaishankar stated in response to a question regarding any shifts in relations attributed to Pakistan.
"Significant relationships are not shaped by third countries and their roles," he stressed.
"The key factor in the India-US relationship is, fundamentally, India and the US themselves. It is our mutual benefit that drives this partnership," EAM Jaishankar remarked.
During a press conference on Wednesday, he highlighted that given India's size and influence, there should be an accompanying sense of self-assurance and not evaluate bilateral relations through the lens of other nations.
"We are a major nation. Among the top five economies globally. The most populous nation. Our influence is on the rise," he noted.
"We need to have that confidence."
He asserted that India's relations with the US are evolving around larger issues that will benefit both parties in the future.
"It's about trade, investment, technology, mobility, and energy," the EAM added.
When asked about Trump taking credit for the ceasefire with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, EAM Jaishankar clarified that he played no role in this.
"The record of events is quite clear," he remarked.
"The ceasefire resulted from negotiations between the Directors General of Military Operations" – Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai of India and Major General Kashif Abdullah of Pakistan, he stated, adding: "I will leave it at that."
EAM Jaishankar was in Washington to participate in the Quad Ministerial meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Foreign Ministers Penny Wong from Australia, and Takeshi Iwaya from Japan on Tuesday.
He noted that the ministers condemned the Pahalgam massacre executed by The Resistance Front, linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba.
In individual meetings with Rubio and the two Foreign Ministers, along with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Jaishankar noted, "we effectively conducted a review of the past six months and discussed our future direction."
This included dialogue on trade, investment, technology, defense, security, energy, and mobility, as mentioned by the EAM.
Defence and energy are two topics substantial enough to necessitate separate discussions with Hegseth and Wright, he indicated.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge that India’s foreign relations should primarily reflect its own interests and strengths. The recent remarks by EAM Jaishankar highlight a significant shift towards self-assertion, indicating that India is increasingly ready to engage on its own terms without the overshadowing influence of external factors.
NationPress
03/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did EAM Jaishankar say about Pakistan's influence?
EAM Jaishankar rejected the notion that Pakistan affects US-India relations, asserting that their relationship is based on mutual benefits.
How does Jaishankar view the India-US relationship?
He emphasized that the India-US relationship is determined by their own complementarity and not influenced by third countries.
What topics were discussed in the Quad Ministerial meeting?
The discussions included trade, investment, technology, defense, security, energy, and mobility.
Did Trump play a role in the ceasefire between India and Pakistan?
Jaishankar clarified that Trump had no role in the ceasefire, which was negotiated between military leaders of both countries.
What are the key focuses of the India-US relationship?
The relationship focuses on trade, investment, technology, and energy, which are pivotal for future growth.
