Lack of Concern Over Terrorism Can Affect Ties: EAM S Jaishankar on India-US Relations

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that a lack of sufficient understanding or empathy in the United States towards India's concerns over terrorism can have an impact on India-US relations.

Jaishankar made the remarks during a conversation hosted by the Asia Society in New York on Monday, September 28, as he concluded his visit to the US for the high-level week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

Terrorism remains a key Indian concern

Responding to a question about the challenges facing the India-US partnership, Jaishankar said terrorism was particularly important for India because of its long-standing security concerns involving its neighbour, Pakistan.

He said India has experienced terrorism from a neighbouring country for decades and argued that when a partner does not fully understand or appreciate an issue that matters deeply to India, it can affect the relationship.

The minister's comments come amid changes in US-Pakistan engagement and continuing discussions between New Delhi and Washington over security and strategic priorities.

Trade talks also remain a challenge

Jaishankar also pointed to trade and tariff-related disagreements as another factor that has created difficulties in the bilateral relationship over the past year.

According to his remarks, negotiations on an India-US trade agreement have made substantial progress, although differences remain. He described the trade relationship as having experienced some "bumps" and said progress on outstanding issues could help improve bilateral ties.

The issue has gained prominence amid changes in US tariff policies and India's concerns about the impact of trade measures on bilateral economic relations.

Immigration and mobility concerns

Jaishankar also highlighted growing opposition to immigration and mobility in the US as another issue that could influence public perceptions of India and the United States.

He noted that diplomacy is no longer limited to governments, leaders and diplomats, arguing that public opinion plays an increasingly important role in democratic societies in the social-media era.

India has separately raised concerns about ensuring that legitimate travel and mobility are not adversely affected while the two countries cooperate on illegal and irregular migration. In a May 2026 meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jaishankar had also described terrorism as a shared challenge and said the two countries would strengthen cooperation in this area.

Jaishankar calls for upward trajectory

Despite highlighting the challenges, Jaishankar said India would like the bilateral relationship to move in an upward trajectory.

His remarks came after meetings with senior US officials during the UN General Assembly week, including talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The two sides have continued discussions on trade, strategic cooperation, mobility and other areas of bilateral engagement.

Jaishankar's comments underline that while India and the US continue to cooperate across several strategic areas, differences over terrorism, trade and mobility remain issues in the relationship.