External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has made it clear that India will not compromise on the interests of farmers and small producers in its ongoing trade discussions with the United States. Speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, he said India has drawn “red lines” in the negotiations—boundaries that cannot be crossed under any circumstances.
Jaishankar emphasized that these concerns are not only economic but also deeply tied to India’s social priorities, making them a core focus of the talks. He stated that the success or failure of the trade deal will depend on how firmly India holds to these principles.
Commenting on US President Donald Trump’s style of diplomacy, Jaishankar noted that Trump’s approach to openly conducting foreign policy is unusual and marks a major shift from traditional American diplomacy. He said this change is reshaping global relations, with impacts extending far beyond India.
Tensions in India–US relations have recently risen after the Trump administration doubled tariffs on Indian goods. Another flashpoint has been Washington’s criticism of India’s purchase of discounted Russian crude oil and its resale to Europe and elsewhere. Responding to this, Jaishankar said the accusation was “strange,” pointing out that India does not force anyone to buy its oil products. He stressed that if the US or Europe disapprove, they are free not to purchase them.
