S Jaishankar Says Pakistan Terrorism Concerns Could Affect India US Relations
NEW YORK: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has warned that insufficient understanding of India’s concerns over terrorism could affect India US relations, as differences between New Delhi and Washington continue over security, trade and tariffs.
Speaking at an Asia Society event in New York on Monday, September 28, S Jaishankar said terrorism remained one of India’s primary concerns because of what he described as decades of attacks from a neighbouring country. His comments came during a discussion with former US diplomat Daniel Russel following the high-level week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Terrorism Remains A Core Indian Concern
S Jaishankar did not name Pakistan while making the specific remarks, instead referring to terrorism originating from “a neighbour” and describing it as part of a deliberate policy over many decades.
The minister said that if a major concern for India was not adequately understood, appreciated or empathised with by a partner, it would have an effect on the relationship. The remarks were made in the context of Pakistan terrorism concerns and Washington’s renewed engagement with Islamabad.
According to Hindustan Times, Jaishankar also said India US relations had experienced “bumps” over the pace and complexity of trade negotiations, tariff uncertainty and differences over terrorism-related concerns.
What Jaishankar Actually Said
The verified remarks do not show S Jaishankar explicitly declaring a formal “red line” for the United States. Instead, he described the consequences for bilateral ties if a partner does not fully appreciate an issue that India considers a primary concern.
That distinction matters in reporting on Pakistan terrorism. The minister’s statement was a warning about the possible diplomatic impact of differences, rather than an announced new policy or condition governing the partnership.
The comments come after months of debate over India US relations, with Washington and New Delhi also dealing with disagreements over tariffs, trade negotiations and India’s purchase of Russian energy.
Pakistan And The Broader Diplomatic Picture
The issue of Pakistan terrorism has remained closely linked to India’s broader security policy. India has repeatedly raised terrorism emanating from across its western border as a major national-security concern, particularly after the April 2025 Pahalgam attack and the subsequent military confrontation.
The latest remarks also fit into India’s wider effort to maintain working relationships with several major powers. Recent India-China diplomatic efforts have focused on stabilising ties while India continues to manage separate strategic relationships with Washington and Moscow.
A separate Indus Waters Treaty dispute has also kept India-Pakistan tensions in focus, showing how security disputes can extend into economic, legal and diplomatic areas.
Trade Remains Another Pressure Point
Beyond security, India US relations are being shaped by negotiations over a proposed trade agreement and changes in the American tariff framework.
Jaishankar said the two sides had reached more or less an understanding on the trade agreement, but added that changes on the US side had complicated the process. He also said India remained hopeful that the relationship could move on an upward trajectory.
For New Delhi, the message on Pakistan terrorism is therefore part of a wider diplomatic discussion. India US relations remain active across trade, security and strategic cooperation, but Jaishankar has made clear that India’s concerns about terrorism remain a significant part of that relationship.
