External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke on Saturday about the current state of India-US relations, highlighting three main issues: ongoing trade negotiations, India’s energy purchases from Russia, and US attempts at mediation between India and Pakistan. He also stressed that protecting Indian farmers and small producers remains a “red line” in the trade talks.

While acknowledging some differences with the US, Jaishankar said other aspects of the bilateral relationship are moving forward positively. Responding to reports that the Trump administration had paused talks on a bilateral trade deal, he clarified that discussions are still happening, and “nobody said the negotiations are off.”

“We’ve never had a US president who conducted foreign policy so publicly as the current one,” Jaishankar said, referring to President Donald Trump’s unconventional style. He called Trump’s use of tariffs, including on non-trade issues, a “major departure” from traditional diplomacy.

Trade remains the biggest sticking point between the two countries. Jaishankar made it clear that India will not compromise on protecting the interests of its farmers and small producers.

The second issue concerns India’s continued purchase of Russian energy. Jaishankar pointed out that while the US has criticized India for this, it has not taken similar action against China—the largest importer of Russian oil—or the European Union, which imports the most Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG). He said this showed “a certain inconsistency” and questioned whether Europe was not also indirectly supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin through its trade.

Jaishankar also emphasized India’s commitment to strategic autonomy, meaning that decisions like energy imports are made based on national interest. The Trump administration plans to impose an additional 25% punitive tariff on Indian exports starting August 28 due to India’s Russian oil purchases—on top of a 25% reciprocal tariff already in place. Trump and some of his advisors have accused India of profiting by selling refined products made from Russian oil on the global market.

Responding to these allegations, Jaishankar said, “It’s funny to have people in a pro-business American administration accusing others of doing business… If you don’t want to buy oil or refined products from India, don’t buy them. Nobody’s forcing you.”

He added that there were discussions in 2022 between the Indian and US governments about India buying Russian energy to help stabilize global oil prices. At no point did the Trump administration demand that India stop its energy purchases from Russia.

The third issue Jaishankar raised was Trump’s claims of mediating between India and Pakistan during the recent conflict in May. He stressed that for over 50 years, India has maintained a national consensus against any third-party mediation in its relations with Pakistan.

While the US was in contact with India after Operation Sindoor—a military retaliation against terror infrastructure in Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack—Jaishankar said this was different from asserting mediation or claiming credit for negotiated outcomes.

Trump frequently claimed to have brokered the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, but Jaishankar noted that Pakistan sought to end hostilities only after India inflicted heavy damage on Pakistani airbases.

“When it comes to trade, strategic autonomy, and opposition to mediation, this government is very clear,” Jaishankar said. “We value strategic autonomy and will do whatever it takes to protect it.”

On another front, Jaishankar dismissed the idea that India’s recent warming relations with China were due to tensions with the US. He said the relationship with Beijing is affected by longstanding border disputes, recent military standoffs since 2020, and trade imbalances.

He pointed out that recent efforts to normalize ties with China, including initiatives announced during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit, had been in the works since last October when the two countries agreed to end their face-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

“We have always said that if the border is stable, predictable, and free of incidents, then the rest of the relationship naturally improves. Since the disengagement was completed, it made sense for other areas to improve as well,” Jaishankar explained.