Paris [France], Jun 10: Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, in an exclusive interview with Le Figaro, reaffirmed India\u2019s call for an end to the war in Ukraine, emphasized the need for global solidarity with the Global South, and clarified India\u2019s firm position on terrorism and strategic autonomy.
\nSpeaking on India-France ties, Jaishankar said, \u201cFor many years, India has had a very strong economic and strategic, civil and military partnership with France. The word \u2018trust\u2019 is central to this relationship.\u201d He added that both countries aim to strengthen cooperation in defence, nuclear energy, AI, space, and environmental matters.
\nOn the issue of Kashmir and tensions with Pakistan, the minister reiterated that the conflict stems from terrorism, not a bilateral dispute. \u201cIt has become an India-Pakistan issue because Pakistan harbours and supports terrorists. The conflict is between India and terrorism,\u201d he said. Referring to the recent April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Jaishankar warned, \u201cIf terrorists attack India, we will hunt them down wherever they are, including in Pakistan.\u201dFine dining reservations
\nHe said there was broad international support for India\u2019s retaliatory actions, with the UN Security Council having called for \u201caccountability and justice.\u201d
\nWhen asked about China\u2019s support for Pakistan, Jaishankar cautioned against double standards: \u201cOn an issue like terrorism, you cannot afford ambiguity.\u201d
\nRegarding China\u2019s role in the Indo-Pacific, Jaishankar emphasised that India and China are \u201ctwo ancient civilisations\u201d navigating rising power and unresolved border issues. \u201cOur relations have gone through a difficult period since the 2020 military clash in the Himalayas,\u201d he said, adding that the resumption of suspended exchanges like direct flights is under discussion.
\nOn India-US relations under President Donald Trump, Jaishankar said bilateral ties had strengthened across five US administrations. Despite tariff threats, he noted, \u201cWe had already begun bilateral negotiations for a trade agreement. We are hopeful of reaching an agreement before the tariff suspension ends on July 9.\u201d
\nOn Trump\u2019s foreign policy, Jaishankar observed his early support for the Quad and commented, \u201cWe see the U.S. acting in line with its immediate self-interest. To be honest, I would do the same with them.\u201d
\nAddressing the Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar reaffirmed India\u2019s non-aligned position: \u201cWe\u2019ve helped both Ukraine and Russia as much as we could. There must be direct negotiation between the parties, the sooner the better.\u201d He added, \u201cLarge parts of the world\u2013from Africa to Latin America to the Pacific islands\u2013feel their economies and stability have been negatively affected by this conflict. The world wants it to stop. On this issue, we speak on behalf of the Global South.\u201d
\nDefining the Global South, Jaishankar described it as \u201cdeveloping countries that have endured the painful legacy of colonisation\u2026 and are now trying to earn the place they deserve in the international order.\u201d
\nAsked about India\u2019s internal diversity, especially regarding its Muslim population, Jaishankar dismissed Western concerns. \u201cThat is largely exaggerated, and sometimes outright false. For us, multiple languages, beliefs, ethnicities, and traditions are part of who we are,\u201d he said.
\nSpeaking on the UN Security Council reforms, Jaishankar asserted India\u2019s readiness for a larger global role. \u201cWe are the most populous country\u2026 increasingly active on the world stage. Many countries are calling for it. The UN is 80 years old and struggling with its responsibilities,\u201d he said. (Agencies)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Paris [France], Jun 10: Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, in an exclusive interview with Le Figaro, reaffirmed India\u2019s call for an end to the war in Ukraine, emphasized the need for global solidarity with the Global South, and clarified India\u2019s firm position on terrorism and strategic autonomy. Speaking on India-France ties, Jaishankar said, \u201cFor […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4317,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-4316","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n