External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has said that India’s relationship with China is better today than it was last year, following the resolution of the prolonged border standoff.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Asia Society, Jaishankar noted that India had consistently told China that a dip in relations benefits neither side, and that a long standoff serves no nation’s interests. He emphasized that once the border tensions eased, bilateral ties began to improve.
On the India–US relationship, Jaishankar highlighted progress in trade negotiations, saying both nations now share an understanding on a potential agreement. He explained that India’s economy, built on small producers, agriculture, and factories, differs fundamentally from the US, requiring patience and detailed negotiations. He admitted that tariffs had strained ties last year but expressed optimism about the future.
Jaishankar also underscored terrorism as a critical issue for India, lamenting the lack of empathy from the US side. He warned of global challenges, including the impact of the Russia–Ukraine war and Iran–Gulf tensions on Global South economies. He raised concerns about tight energy markets, potential food crises, and looming fertiliser shortages, cautioning that political maneuvering could worsen instability.
