India is in a “much more advantageous position” compared to many other countries to build deeper relations with a potential Donald Trump second term in the US, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said on Thursday.
Speaking at the ASSOCHAM ‘Viksit Bharat Summit’ in the national capital, Jaishankar noted that the perception of India among major global economies has transformed significantly over the past decade.
Addressing prospects for India-US relations under a possible Trump 2.0 term, the minister stated, “There are countries that view Trump 2.0 as a political challenge; we do not. That sets us apart from a large number of nations, putting us in a much more advantageous position to translate a second term into a deeper relationship.”
He highlighted the need for India to establish a robust political equation with the US under Trump, adding, “We have consistently enjoyed positive political relations with Trump, and he has always had a favorable view of India. However, this does not mean every transaction will align seamlessly. Like everyone else, we may face some issues, and we will address them as they arise.”
Jaishankar also stressed the importance of India-US collaboration in emerging and critical technologies, emphasizing the need to build a partnership rooted in mutual benefits. “The US would need India as a trusted partner in areas where they aim to take technological leadership,” he remarked.
Touching on India’s economic priorities, Jaishankar warned against becoming merely a market for another economy’s products while being unable to compete with dumped goods. He also underlined the significance of fostering manufacturing competitiveness through initiatives like creating new manufacturing zones and improving logistics.
The External Affairs Minister also spoke on geopolitical challenges, particularly India’s relations with Russia and the evolving situation in the Middle East. Highlighting shipping challenges in the Red Sea, he noted their direct impact on India’s economic interests.
On MSMEs, Jaishankar described them as vital to India’s manufacturing ambitions, calling for focused efforts to enhance competitiveness. “We’ve made progress, but there’s still a long way to go,” he concluded.
(Inputs from IANS)