Foreign minister Jaishankar asked if India can trust US President Donald Trump. His reply: ‘I take the world as I find it’
In a sharp yet diplomatic reply that reflects India’s evolving foreign policy stance, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar offered a nuanced perspective when asked if India could trust former U.S. President Donald Trump. His answer, “I take the world as I find it,” has sparked a wave of analysis across geopolitical and diplomatic circles.
The remark, made during a recent public or press interaction (contextually tied to discussions on U.S.-India relations), offers a window into how India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi views the global order—especially amid rising political shifts in the United States.
Decoding the Statement: What Jaishankar Really Meant
Jaishankar’s words weren’t just a diplomatic dodge—they were a philosophical take on global realism. In international diplomacy, especially one as complex as India’s, the ability to navigate changing global leadership is critical.
“I take the world as I find it,” he said, emphasizing India’s commitment to working with whoever is in charge, regardless of personal or political leanings.
This attitude is consistent with India’s strategic autonomy. Rather than aligning unconditionally with any single global power, India under Jaishankar and Modi has tried to leverage global partnerships based on interests, not ideologies.
Trump, Biden, and the Future of India-US Relations
During Donald Trump’s presidency (2017–2021), India and the U.S. developed strong personal chemistry between leaders. Trump’s visit to India in February 2020, which included the grand “Namaste Trump” event in Ahmedabad, was a diplomatic spectacle.
However, Trump’s foreign policy was often unpredictable. His views on trade, immigration, and global alliances left many allies—including India—navigating through uncertainty.
With the potential return of Trump to power, India must once again weigh how to engage effectively. Jaishankar’s comment reflects a flexibility-first strategy: India won’t pin its foreign policy success on the predictability of any foreign leader, especially in a volatile democracy like the United States.
A Foreign Policy Rooted in Realism
Jaishankar, a former ambassador to the U.S. and a seasoned career diplomat, is known for his realist approach to global affairs. His remark isn’t an isolated instance but part of a broader philosophy he’s consistently advocated: nations don’t have permanent friends or enemies—only permanent interests.
In his book “The India Way”, Jaishankar discusses the need for India to assert itself without being subsumed by Western expectations or Eastern traditions. His response about Trump fits this mold. Rather than trusting or distrusting a leader, India looks at how it can advance its strategic, economic, and security goals regardless of who sits in the Oval Office.
Key Challenges in India-US Relations Under Trump
If Trump returns in 2025, India may face several familiar challenges:
- Trade Protectionism: Trump has a strong “America First” policy that could revive trade disputes.
- H-1B Visa Restrictions: Many Indian professionals were impacted by Trump-era restrictions.
- Geopolitical Alliances: Trump’s unpredictable stance on alliances like NATO and QUAD could impact India’s strategic goals.
Despite these, Jaishankar’s comment suggests India is ready to engage constructively, even under pressure or unpredictability.
Global Reactions: Mixed Views on Jaishankar’s Diplomacy
Reactions to Jaishankar’s response have been mixed:
- Supporters say it shows maturity and diplomatic finesse, avoiding political entanglement while keeping doors open.
- Critics argue that India should be more vocal about democratic principles, especially given Trump’s controversial policies and statements.
However, India’s current approach is about balancing global partnerships without compromising on its sovereign interests.
Why This Matters in 2025 and Beyond
With elections approaching in both India and the U.S., Jaishankar’s remark sets the tone for India’s future diplomacy. It signals:
- A pragmatic, leader-agnostic approach
- India’s increasing confidence on the world stage
- A readiness to work with any administration—left, right, or center
As the global order continues to evolve, India’s commitment to “taking the world as it finds it” may be its greatest strength.
Conclusion
S. Jaishankar’s response on whether India can trust Donald Trump may seem cryptic, but it carries profound meaning. In a world marked by shifting alliances and unpredictable leadership, India’s foreign policy under Jaishankar remains anchored in realism, adaptability, and national interest.
Whether it’s Trump, Biden, or another leader in the White House, India appears ready to engage—not out of trust or loyalty, but out of a clear-eyed understanding of how the world works.
