NEW DELHI: India has set firm “red lines” in its trade negotiations with the United States and will not compromise on protecting the interests of farmers and small producers, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Saturday.
Speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, Jaishankar confirmed that talks for a trade deal are ongoing. He emphasized that while negotiations continue, India’s bottom line remains clear: safeguarding the livelihoods of its farmers and small-scale producers.
“The red lines are primarily the interests of our farmers and, to some extent, small producers,” he said. “As a government, we are fully committed to defending them. That is non-negotiable.”
Jaishankar also commented on the unique approach of US President Donald Trump, noting that his style of foreign policy marks a significant departure from traditional methods. “We’ve not had a US president who has conducted foreign policy as publicly as the current one. That itself is a departure — and not just for India, but for the entire world,” he observed.
Relations between New Delhi and Washington have faced strain in recent months, particularly after Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent and imposed additional duties related to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. Jaishankar underscored that trade has become the central friction point between the two nations.
Responding to allegations from Trump administration officials that India is “profiteering” by buying discounted Russian crude oil and exporting refined petroleum products at premium rates, Jaishankar dismissed the criticism. “It’s rather curious for a pro-business American administration to accuse others of doing business,” he said. “If you don’t want to buy oil or refined products from India, then don’t. Nobody forces you. But Europe buys, America buys — so if you don’t like it, simply don’t buy it.”
On suggestions that India’s ties with China are improving as its relations with the US face turbulence, Jaishankar rejected such interpretations. “It would be a mistaken analysis to try and force-fit everything into an integrated response to one specific situation,” he remarked.
