Cross-Border Terror Concerns Affect India-US Ties If Not Fully Understood: Jaishankar

Cross-Border Terrorism a Key Concern for India, Jaishankar Says, Warns It Can Affect US Ties

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said cross-border terrorism remains one of India’s key concerns and suggested that a lack of understanding of the issue among its partners could affect bilateral relations.

Speaking at an Asia Society event in New York on Monday, Jaishankar was asked about the state of India-US relations amid differences over trade and tariffs, as well as Washington’s renewed engagement with Pakistan.

Jaishankar said India’s relationship with the United States should be viewed in the context of broader global developments, noting that several countries have experienced greater difficulties in their ties with Washington.

Terrorism Remains a Major Indian Concern

Turning to India’s security concerns, Jaishankar referred to the long-standing issue of cross-border terrorism and India’s experience with attacks originating from a neighbouring country.

He said that when an issue considered a primary concern by India is not adequately understood or appreciated by a partner, it can have an impact on the bilateral relationship.

His comments came amid increased US engagement with Pakistan. India has also rejected US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims that Washington played a role in bringing an end to the 2025 India-Pakistan military conflict.

Trade Deal Could Help Bilateral Ties

Jaishankar also addressed the ongoing India-US trade negotiations, saying a trade agreement, if finalised, could contribute to improved bilateral relations.

He said expectations that the negotiations would move rapidly had encountered a more complicated reality, partly because of differences in the structure of the two economies.

According to Jaishankar, India’s economy includes a large number of small producers, farmers and factories, making the negotiations more detailed and requiring greater patience.

He said there was now “more or less an understanding” on the proposed trade agreement, although the ongoing US Section 301 process remained an issue.

Section 301 Measures Remain in Focus

The United States has imposed an additional 10% duty on Indian imports under its Section 301 measures following an investigation into policies and practices concerning goods produced using forced labour. The final measure announced in July placed India in a lower tariff tier than initially proposed.

India and the US have continued negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement while addressing outstanding tariff-related issues. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is also scheduled to hold trade discussions with US officials during his current visit to the country.

Jaishankar said the relationship could move in a positive direction if the two sides were able to resolve some of the outstanding issues.

“We would certainly hope for and expect the relationship to move on an upward trajectory,” he said, while stressing the need to remain realistic about the challenges facing the partnership.