‘Never Had a US President Like This’: S Jaishankar Hits Out at Trump’s Foreign Policy, Sets ‘Red Lines’ on Trade

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a sharp critique of US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy on Saturday, describing his approach as a “major departure” from tradition and something the world has never witnessed before. Speaking at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2025, Jaishankar firmly pushed back against US pressure on trade and unequivocally rejected Trump’s claims of mediating in the India-Pakistan conflict.

“We have never had a US President who’s conducted foreign policy as publicly as the current one,” Jaishankar stated, highlighting the unconventional nature of the Trump administration. “That in itself is a departure that’s not limited to India… President Trump’s way of dealing with the world, even dealing with his own country, is a very major departure from the traditional orthodox manner of doing so.”

Jaishankar was categorical in refuting Trump’s repeated assertions that he had mediated to end the India-Pakistan conflict in May. He reiterated India’s long-standing position, stating, “On the issue of mediating, since the 1970s, for more than 50 years now, there’s a national consensus in this country that we do not accept mediation in our relations with Pakistan.”

On the contentious issue of trade, particularly the US levying heavy tariffs on Indian goods, the minister drew clear “red lines,” emphasizing that the interests of India’s farmers and its strategic autonomy were non-negotiable. “If anybody disagrees with us, please tell the people of India that you are not prepared to defend the interests of farmers.

Please tell the people of India you don’t value strategic autonomy,” he challenged. In a pointed remark, Jaishankar also found it “funny” that a “pro-business American administration” was “accusing others of doing business,” a clear reference to US objections over India’s oil purchases. “If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, don’t buy it. Nobody forces you to buy it,” he asserted.

Despite the cancellation of a US delegation’s visit in August, Jaishankar confirmed that trade negotiations are still ongoing, though he maintained that India would not compromise on its core interests. “Negotiations are still going on in the sense that nobody said the negotiations are off,” he explained, adding colorfully, “It’s not like there’s a ‘katti’ (breaking friendship) there.”