New Delhi– External Affairs Minister **S Jaishankar** has described US President **Donald Trump’s approach to foreign policy** as unlike anything the world has seen before.
Speaking at a media event in Delhi, Jaishankar said, *“The world has never had a US President who’s conducted foreign policy as publicly as the current one. That in itself is a major departure from the traditional, orthodox manner of doing so.”*
The minister dismissed Trump’s repeated claims of mediating in the **India-Pakistan conflict** earlier this year. *“Since the 1970s, for more than 50 years now, there has been a national consensus that India does not accept mediation in its relations with Pakistan,”* he stressed.
On the issue of trade, Jaishankar was firm that **Indian farmers’ interests will not be compromised** in negotiations with Washington. *“When it comes to trade, when it comes to strategic autonomy, when it comes to opposition to mediation, this government is very clear. If anybody disagrees, tell the people of India you are not prepared to defend the interests of farmers,”* he said.
Jaishankar also took a swipe at Washington over its criticism of India’s crude oil purchases. *“It is funny that a pro-business American administration is not minding its own business. If you have a problem with India buying oil, don’t buy from us. Nobody forces you. Europe buys, America buys. If you don’t like it, don’t buy it.”*
The US recently imposed a **50% tariff on Indian goods**, citing New Delhi’s continued imports of Russian crude oil. Despite tensions, Jaishankar clarified that **trade talks are ongoing**. *“Negotiations are still going on. Nobody has said they are off. People talk to each other. It’s not like there’s a ‘katti’ (break in friendship),”* he said.
Although a US delegation cancelled its planned **August visit to India**, Jaishankar underlined that dialogue remains open. *“We have red lines. Farmers and small producers must be protected. That is non-negotiable,”* he added.
