New York | September 30, 2026
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said that insufficient understanding of India’s concerns over cross-border terrorism could affect its relationship with the United States, as Washington’s engagement with Pakistan has increased.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Asia Society in New York, Jaishankar said terrorism remains one of India’s most important security concerns and that partners need to understand its significance to New Delhi.
Terrorism Remains a Key Concern for India
Jaishankar referred to India’s experience of terrorism originating from a neighbouring country over several decades. Although he did not name Pakistan directly in the quoted remarks, the comments came amid increased US engagement with Pakistan.
He said that if one of India’s primary concerns is not adequately understood or appreciated by a partner, it can have an impact on the bilateral relationship.
The remarks come as India continues to emphasise cross-border terrorism as a central issue in its foreign-policy and security discussions.
US-Pakistan Engagement in Focus
The minister’s comments followed recent developments in US-Pakistan relations. US President Donald Trump has publicly engaged with Pakistani leadership, while Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also acknowledged Trump’s role in efforts related to tensions between India and Pakistan.
India has maintained its own position regarding third-party involvement in India-Pakistan matters, while Jaishankar’s latest comments focused on the broader issue of how India’s security concerns are understood by its partners.
Trade Negotiations Also Created “Bumps”
Jaishankar also discussed challenges in the India-US economic relationship, particularly the pace of negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement.
He said the two countries had reached a stage where there was “more or less an understanding” on the agreement, but the time taken to reach that point had created difficulties in the relationship.
Changes in the US tariff framework and the ongoing Section 301 process have added complexity to the negotiations, according to the minister.
India-US Relationship Faces Multiple Issues
Jaishankar said India wants the relationship with the United States to move forward but acknowledged that several issues need to be addressed.
Along with terrorism and trade, he also referred to differences surrounding immigration and mobility, which can influence public perceptions in both countries.
His remarks indicate that New Delhi’s concerns over security and the evolving US relationship with Pakistan remain part of the broader discussions surrounding the future direction of India-US ties.
