Jaishankar draws India’s trade ‘red lines’, rebukes US over tariffs, Pakistan overtures

admin

Jaishankar draws India’s trade ‘red lines’, rebukes US over tariffs, Pakistan overtures



The minister also responded to criticism from US officials, who have accused India of “profiteering” by purchasing discounted Russian oil and exporting refined petroleum products to the West at market rates.Brushing off the allegations, Jaishankar remarked: “It’s funny to have people who work for a pro-business American administration accusing others of doing business.”“If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, don’t buy it. Nobody is forcing you. But Europe buys, America buys — so if you don’t like it, don’t buy it,” the EAM said, terming Washington’s accusations as politically motivated.Meanwhile, Jaishankar also rejected the notion that improving ties with China were a response to strains in India-US relations, calling such interpretations simplistic. “It would be a mistaken analysis to try and crunch everything into a single narrative. Each relationship is shaped by its own dynamics,” he said.Taking aim at the strategic inconsistencies of the US, Jaishankar invoked Washington’s history with Pakistan. “They have a history with each other, and they have a history of overlooking that history,” he said.Asked about the US inviting Pakistan Army chief Gen. Asim Munir and the recent upswing in Washington-Islamabad ties, the EAM pointed to America’s selective memory. “When you sometimes look at the certificates a military gives, it’s the same military that went into Abbottabad and found you-know-who there,” he added, referencing the US raid that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011.Jaishankar also dismissed claims by US President Donald Trump that Washington played a decisive role in mediating the ceasefire that ended Operation Sindoor between India and Pakistan. “It’s one thing to acknowledge that countries make phone calls during crises — that’s normal diplomacy. But to claim credit for a ceasefire that was directly negotiated between India and Pakistan is something else entirely,” the EAM said, reiterating India’s long-standing position against third-party mediation in its regional affairs.



Source link