From Russian oil to Pakistan policy: Jaishankar on India's clear 'red lines' in trade talks with US

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday said India is clear about its “red lines” in negotiations with the United States and will make decisions in its national interest, speaking at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum.

Addressing ongoing issues with the US, he added, “Right now there are issues, it’s pretty open. But it’s not like we have not had issues before. However, other parts of the relationship are strong.” He also highlighted concerns over farmers interests, saying negotiators must be clear about the lines that cannot be crossed.

On President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, Jaishankar noted it is unprecedented in its openness. “We’ve never had any president that conducted foreign policy as open as this one. President Trump’s way of dealing with the world, even his own country, is a departure from the traditional way of doing so,” he said.


Read more: 'If you don’t like it, don’t buy it': Jaishankar on Trump's secondary sanctions on India’s Russian oil trade

On India's 'red line': Farmers

Jaishankar emphasized India’s firm stance in ongoing trade negotiations with the United States. He said, “Negotiations are still going on. But the bottom line is we have some red lines. Nobody has said the negotiations are off, and people do talk to each other. Where we are concerned, the red lines are primarily the interests of our farmers and, to some extent, of our small producers."

He added, "We, as a government, are committed to defending the interests of our farmers and our small producers. We are very determined on that. That’s not something that we can compromise on."

His remarks pointed at India’s resolve to safeguard domestic interests while engaging with global partners.

On Russian oil and sanctions

On oil imports and sanctions, Jaishankar said, “It is presented as an oil issue but it’s still not applied to the largest importer, China. Arguments used to target India have not been applied to China.” He stressed India’s strategic autonomy: “At the end of it all, we make decisions that are in national interest.”

He made a pointed remark on India’s stance regarding Russian oil and refined products, saying, “If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from Russia, don’t buy. But Europe buys, America buys. If you don’t like, don’t buy from us.” His statement highlights India’s insistence on making decisions based on national interest and strategic autonomy, pushing back against external pressure on its energy imports.

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On India-Pakistan relations

Speaking on India-Pakistan relations, Jaishankar said, "On the issue of mediating (India-Pak conflict), 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."

He further underlined the government’s clarity on trade, farmers’ interests, and strategic autonomy: "When it comes to trade, the interests of farmers, our strategic autonomy, and opposition to mediation, this government is very clear. Our positions are there. 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. We do. We will do whatever we have to do to maintain it."

He reiterated that while India remains open to dialogue and negotiation, it will not compromise on issues vital to its sovereignty, strategic independence, and the welfare of its citizens.

Quad is Quad, BRICS is BRICS

Jaishankar spoke on evolving bilateral ties with the United States under President Trump, emphasizing the need for flexibility in diplomacy.

“You adapt to the landscape and nature of the challenge. So, if there is a relationship that needs to be handled differently, you adapt accordingly,” he said.

On multilateral groupings, he noted, “The Quad is still the Quad and BRICS is still BRICS. Countries like us should not be forced to make binary choices.”