Jaishankar on US-Pakistan Ties: Reminds of Laden History
S Jaishankar on US-Pakistan Relations: Warns Washington Against Forgetting Abbottabad
At a time when the United States is seen as moving closer to Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on US-Pakistan relations delivered a sharp reminder of history, pointing to Osama Bin Laden’s discovery in Pakistan’s military town of Abbottabad in 2011.
Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum on Saturday, Jaishankar said the US has a “history of overlooking history” when it comes to its ties with Pakistan. His remarks came amid growing speculation about Washington’s renewed outreach to Islamabad, including US President Donald Trump’s invitation to Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir to the White House.
“They have a history with each other. And they have a history of overlooking that history. Let us not forget who was found in Abbottabad. This is the same military that handed out certificates of cooperation,” Jaishankar said, drawing loud applause.
Jaishankar: Operation Sindoor and Trump’s Mediation Claim
Addressing questions on Operation Sindoor, Jaishankar strongly refuted President Trump’s claim that the US mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. According to the minister, the cessation of hostilities was a direct outcome of Indian military pressure and bilateral negotiations between New Delhi and Islamabad.
“It is natural that countries make phone calls during conflicts. But to say the ceasefire was mediated outside of India and Pakistan is factually incorrect. The negotiations were ours,” Jaishankar clarified.
He emphasized that while the US and other nations reached out diplomatically, the decision to end hostilities was made solely between the two South Asian neighbors.
India Pushes Back on US Tariffs
In a pointed response to Washington’s decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian goods due to New Delhi’s purchase of Russian crude oil, Jaishankar described the move as “unjustified and unreasonable.”
Currently, Indian exports face an additional 25% tariff, with another 25% set to come into force from August 27—potentially pushing the overall levy up to 50%, among the highest imposed by the US.
“Europe trades far more with Russia than India does, yet we are being singled out. If the argument is energy, they are the bigger buyers. If the argument is trade, they are bigger than us. The contradiction is obvious,” Jaishankar said.
He further added, “It is ironic for a pro-business US administration to criticize India for doing business. If you have a problem, don’t buy our products. Nobody forces you to.”
Jaishankar: Strategic Autonomy and India-US Ties
Despite the friction, Jaishankar stressed that India values its relationship with the US but will always protect its national interests. He reaffirmed New Delhi’s principle of strategic autonomy, underlining that India’s decisions will not be dictated by external pressures.
“We are two big countries, the lines are not cut, and conversations continue. But India has redlines, and those will be defended,” the minister said.
A planned visit by US trade negotiators to New Delhi later this month has already been cancelled, raising concerns about further strain in the partnership.
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