US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy shift towards a multipolar world order aligns with India’s strategic interests, says External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Speaking at a discussion with Chatham House in London, the minister explained that Trump’s actions, which aim to reduce the dominance of any single power, resonate with India’s vision for the future.
He noted that the foreign policy moves under Trump were not surprising. “If you track it and assume that political leaders generally do what they promise, much of what we have seen was to be expected,” he said. The minister pointed out that India supports a multipolar world, and Trump’s policies reflect this vision. “We are seeing a president and administration that, in our parlance, are moving toward multipolarity. And that is something that suits India,” he stated.
India-US Ties
The minister also highlighted that India’s relationship with the US under Trump has been solid, with no significant historical baggage. “We have never had any issues with American presidents, at least in recent times,” he said. In his words the relationship between the two countries has allowed both to focus on shared interests, including economic collaboration, global security, and technology.
India-US-QUAD
Referring to an important aspect of this relationship the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), he noted that members (India, Japan, Australia and the US) are committed to regional security and shared responsibilities. “Each Quad member is paying its fair share,” he said, highlighting the group’s growing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Digital Transformation and Technological Collaboration
The Trump administration’s emphasis on the development of technology aligns with India’s priorities, particularly in the areas of digital infrastructure and tech-driven growth. “The emphasis on technology as a game-changer in global politics offers India great possibilities,” Jaishankar remarked, adding that technology could play a crucial role in strengthening both countries’ economies and security.
Connectivity
He also pointed to the strategic importance of connectivity initiatives, such as the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), which have been supported by the US. These projects, he explained, are key to advancing India’s vision of enhanced global connectivity and economic integration. “The Trump administration appears open to connectivity initiatives of a certain collaborative nature,” said the minister, referring to the growing infrastructure collaboration between the US and India.
India’s Stand on Dollarization
On global finance, he once again clarified India’s position related to the US dollar, particularly in the context of the BRICS nations. India has no interest in undermining the dollar’s role as the global reserve currency. “The dollar as the reserve currency is the source of international economic stability,” he said, emphasizing that global stability, not disruption, is India’s priority.
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The minister once again dismissed the idea that BRICS countries are united in seeking to replace the US dollar. “There’s no unified BRICS position against the dollar. The assumption that BRICS is aligned on this matter is not borne out by facts,” he added. Instead, Jaishankar stressed that India advocates for strengthening the global financial system through cooperation with the US.
He talked about India’s efforts to internationalize the rupee as part of its broader economic strategy. While recognizing the challenges posed by the limited availability of US dollars in some regions, Jaishankar highlighted that India’s priority is global economic stability. He noted that India’s growing trade, foreign investments, and increasing global influence make the internationalization of the rupee an important but gradual process.