External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed India’s confidence in its ability to work effectively with the next president of the United States, irrespective of the outcome of the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Speaking at the launch of Indiaspora’s Impact report in New Delhi, Jaishankar underscored India’s readiness to engage with any U.S. administration.
“Generally, we don’t comment on other people’s elections because we also hope others don’t comment on us,” Jaishankar said, highlighting India’s diplomatic stance. “But the American system will deliver its verdict. And, I’m not saying this just as a formality, but if you look over the last 20-odd years, maybe a little bit more for us, we have every confidence that we will be able to work with the president of the United States, whoever he or she will be.”
Jaishankar also reflected on the global challenges that India and the world are currently facing, including ongoing conflicts and economic difficulties. He noted that the world is going through an “exceptionally difficult period,” referencing conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and various regions in Asia, as well as the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m an optimistic person and generally tend to think of solutions to problems rather than the problems that come out of solutions. But I would say with a great deal of sobriety, that we are going through an exceptionally difficult period,” Jaishankar added.
He further addressed the economic struggles faced by many countries today, including trade difficulties and foreign exchange shortages. Jaishankar also drew attention to the disruptive impact of climate events, which are increasingly causing global challenges. “Climate events which are no longer just news…they have globally disruptive consequences, and sometimes entire regions or countries are being made dysfunctional,” he warned.