External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's recent remarks have shed light on India's foreign policy approach, particularly concerning its relationship with the United States under a potential second Trump administration. In an interview with Euractiv in Brussels on June 11, 2025, Jaishankar emphasized that India's engagement with the US is driven by national interest, not by individual personalities. This statement comes amid discussions about whether India can "trust" Donald Trump, given the complexities and potential shifts in the geopolitical landscape.
Jaishankar's response was pragmatic: "I take the world as I find it. Our aim is to advance every relationship that serves our interests – and the US relationship is of immense importance to us. It's not about personality X or president Y." This reflects a consistent theme in India's foreign policy, which prioritizes strategic autonomy and the pursuit of national goals above ideological alignment or personal preferences.
This approach is rooted in the understanding that the world is constantly evolving, and India must adapt to new realities while safeguarding its core interests. As stated by the External Affairs Minister himself, India's foreign policy should be dictated by national interest and security alone rather than be a prisoner to any 'Left ideology or vote bank politics'.
The India-US relationship has deepened over the past decades, irrespective of which political party holds power in either country. Structural forces such as economic, technological, educational, scientific, strategic, and military considerations have propelled this partnership. This continuity suggests that the relationship is resilient and likely to endure, even if there are changes in leadership or policy.
During his visit to Brussels, Jaishankar also advocated for stronger EU-India ties, highlighting India's reliability as a partner and raising concerns about the EU's Green Deal. He also noted the increasing preference for India as a secure alternative to China for global supply chains. These discussions underscore India's growing role as a key player in a multipolar world, seeking to diversify its partnerships and enhance its strategic autonomy.
One of the challenges India faces is navigating the potential for trade friction with the US, especially given Trump's known stance on tariffs and trade imbalances. Despite these potential challenges, there is optimism that India and the US can continue to strengthen their defense and economic ties.
Furthermore, India's approach to foreign policy is shaped by its historical experiences and its commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts. Jaishankar has addressed India's neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need for countries to consider their own experiences and interests. He also reiterated India's commitment to counter-terrorism and its willingness to take decisive action to protect its interests.
In essence, India's foreign policy is guided by a strategic calculus that prioritizes national interest, pragmatism, and the pursuit of a multipolar world order. While personal relationships between leaders can play a role, the fundamental drivers of India's foreign policy remain constant: the promotion of its economic growth, the protection of its security, and the enhancement of its global influence. Therefore, whether India "trusts" Donald Trump is perhaps the wrong question. The more relevant question is whether the US, under any leadership, is willing to work with India to advance shared interests and address common challenges.
