External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar addressed significant issues during his visit to Washington, DC, including India’s trade with Pakistan, illegal migration, visa delays, and the future of India-US ties. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, he outlined India’s position on critical matters while emphasizing growing trust and collaboration with the United States under the new Trump administration.
Jaishankar clarified that Pakistan, not India, was responsible for halting bilateral trade in 2019. “We did not stop trading. Their administration made the decision to halt trade with us,” he stated. He expressed India’s concerns over Pakistan’s failure to reciprocate the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status that India had extended to it. “Our concern has always been that we gave MFN status, but Pakistan never did,” he added.
During his remarks, Jaishankar reiterated India’s openness to the return of Indian nationals living abroad illegally, including in the US. He said, “If there are any of our citizens who are not here legally, and we are certain they are Indian citizens, we have always been open to their legitimate return.”
Jaishankar emphasized India’s support for legal migration to create global opportunities for Indian talent but warned against illegal mobility. “Illegal migration leads to other unlawful activities and is not reputationally good,” he noted. He reaffirmed India’s principled stance on the matter and highlighted ongoing dialogue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Jaishankar demanded accountability for the 2023 attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco, calling it a “very serious matter.” He urged US authorities to take action against those responsible for the arson and vandalism incidents. “We expect accountability and would like to see those responsible held to account,” he stated.
Addressing visa delays, Jaishankar criticized the prolonged waiting periods for Indian nationals. “If it takes 400 days to get a visa, it doesn’t serve the relationship well,” he argued. He urged the US to facilitate mutually beneficial legal mobility, highlighting its impact on business, tourism, and bilateral ties.
Jaishankar also praised the strengthening India-US partnership, citing a “high degree of trust” and shared goals. He attended President Donald Trump’s inauguration and carried a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Participating in the first Quad ministerial meeting of the Trump administration, Jaishankar underscored the need to intensify Quad activities and pursue an ambitious vision for India-US ties. He noted that both nations aim to build on their strong foundation to address regional and global challenges together.
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