Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, after attending the inauguration ceremony of Donald Trump’s second term as the 47th President of the United States, expressed admiration for the new administration’s confidence and enthusiasm. During his visit, Jaishankar also discussed critical issues, including illegal immigration, U.S.-India relations, and trade with Pakistan.
A Confident and Enthusiastic Administration
Addressing Indian journalists, Dr. Jaishankar remarked, “I observed a very confident and enthusiastic administration that exudes the sentiment of getting things done.” Representing the Indian government, Jaishankar participated in the swearing-in ceremony on January 20, 2025, marking his first-ever attendance at a U.S. presidential inauguration.
Strengthening U.S.-India Relations
Dr. Jaishankar emphasized the strong ties between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump. He described their relationship as one of mutual respect and cooperation, adding, “Both leaders share a history of working together towards common goals.”
The minister also held bilateral talks with the newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, highlighting the administration’s proactive and dynamic approach even before taking office.
India’s Stance on Illegal Immigration
During the press interaction, Jaishankar addressed the issue of Indian nationals residing illegally in the U.S. He reiterated India’s commitment to legal migration and assured that New Delhi is ready to facilitate the repatriation of Indian citizens who have entered the U.S. unlawfully.
“India firmly supports legal mobility as we believe in maximizing global opportunities for Indian talent and skills,” he stated. However, he emphasized the need to counter illegal migration, which often leads to undesirable activities and tarnishes the reputation of Indian nationals abroad.
No Discussions on Trade with Pakistan
On the issue of trade with Pakistan, Jaishankar clarified that there had been no discussions about resuming trade between the two nations. “Since 2019, Pakistan has unilaterally ceased trade relations with India, and there has been no initiative or dialogue on their part to resume trade,” he added.
India maintains that it never halted trade with Pakistan, leaving the decision solely in the hands of Islamabad.
Brief Discussion on Bangladesh
The minister also mentioned a brief exchange with U.S. officials on the current situation in Bangladesh. While he refrained from providing extensive details, he highlighted his concerns about the attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco. “This is a serious matter, and we expect accountability. Those responsible must be brought to justice,” Jaishankar said.
A Proactive Agenda for U.S.-India Relations
Dr. Jaishankar’s meetings with key U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, focused on strengthening bilateral relations. The discussions extended to areas such as trade, regional stability, and global challenges, including climate change and terrorism.
Conclusion
Dr. S. Jaishankar’s visit to the U.S. and his participation in the Trump 2.0 inauguration underscores the growing partnership between India and the United States. From addressing illegal immigration to reinforcing mutual trust and cooperation, the visit has set the tone for robust collaboration under the Trump administration’s second term.
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