External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has addressed the recent strains in India-US relations, pointing to terrorism and trade as two important issues that need greater understanding between the two countries.

Speaking at an event in New York, Jaishankar said terrorism remains one of India's major and highly sensitive security concerns. He emphasized that when a partner country does not adequately understand or take into account an issue that is central to India's security concerns, it can have an impact on bilateral relations. 

Jaishankar referred to India's long experience with cross-border terrorism and said very few countries have faced the kind of terrorism from a neighbouring country that India has experienced over a long period. According to him, the importance of such an issue makes it necessary for India's partners to understand its concerns.

His remarks come at a time when US-Pakistan diplomatic engagement has received attention in India. Against this background, Jaishankar's comments underline the importance New Delhi attaches to how its partners approach terrorism-related security concerns.

At the same time, Jaishankar said India wants its relationship with the United States to move forward. He indicated that differences between the two countries can be addressed, but greater understanding of each other's key interests will be necessary. 

 Trade remains another major issue

Apart from terrorism, Jaishankar also discussed the difficulties surrounding India-US trade negotiations. He indicated that India remains focused on protecting its economic interests while working towards a mutually acceptable trade arrangement.

He pointed out that India's economic structure is different from that of the United States. India has a large number of small producers, small agricultural producers and small factories. Therefore, trade negotiations need to take into account the impact that an agreement could have on these sections.

Jaishankar acknowledged that negotiations had been expected to move faster but became more complicated because of differences and changing circumstances. He also indicated that delays in reaching a trade agreement have created some difficulties in the broader relationship.

India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is visiting the United States from September 29 to October 5, 2026, for discussions related to the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement. The visit includes participation in the G20 trade ministers' meeting and talks with US counterparts.  What does the statement indicate?

Jaishankar's remarks bring together two major areas of India's concerns with the United States: security and trade. On the security side, India wants its concerns regarding cross-border terrorism to receive adequate understanding from its partners. On the economic side, India is seeking a trade arrangement while also taking into account the interests of its domestic producers.

Jaishankar did not suggest that India-US relations were ending. Instead, his comments indicated that New Delhi wants the relationship to move forward while differences over security concerns and trade are addressed through dialogue.