Jaishankar Says Terrorism Concerns Affect India-US Ties

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said concerns about cross-border terrorism are a central factor in New Delhi’s relationship with Washington, warning that ties can suffer when partners do not fully understand India’s security concerns. He made the remarks at an Asia Society event in New York while discussing the direction of India-US relations and the challenges facing the partnership. Jaishankar said terrorism from a neighboring country was among India’s primary concerns and described it as a longstanding security issue. He said a lack of understanding or appreciation from partners for an issue that matters deeply to India creates problems in bilateral relations. His remarks alluded to Pakistan, though he referred to it as a neighboring country in the comments cited. The minister also expressed hope that India-US relations would move onto an upward trajectory, while cautioning that progress depended on addressing unresolved issues. He said the relationship had faced challenges and that advancing on some of them could improve ties. The remarks did not specify steps either government would take to address India’s concerns about terrorism.