In this image posted on Sunday, May 10, 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar interacts with the Indian diaspora of Trinidad and Tobago at a community event during the concluding leg of his three-nation Caribbean tour, after visiting Jamaica and Suriname, in Port of Spain.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, inaugurates the Brechin Castle agro-processing facility in South Trinidad, in the presence of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, on May 9. Photo: X/@DrSJaishankar via ANI

In this image posted on May 5, 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Jamaica Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith with others during the signing of an agreement, in Kingston. Photo: @DrSJaishankar/X via PTI Photo

New Delhi:

India’s diplomacy stands out globally for its ability to balance ties between adversaries. The latest example of this is happening this week. As foreign minister S Jaishankar touches down in New Delhi after a five-day visit to the US for Donald Trump’s inauguration, foreign secretary Vikram Misri heads to China to foster ties with Beijing.

Just ten days ago, during a visit to Spain, foreign minister S Jaishankar had said India is one of the very few countries in the world that can engage both Russia and Ukraine, as well as Israel and Iran. “This is something very, very unique. And it is unique because if you look at the world today, it is a very polarised world,” he said.

Donald Trump has threatened to impose hefty tariffs on China and even the BRICS+ countries, which India is a member of as well. China, the world’s second-largest economy, has warned that it will retaliate, should Washington actually follow through. President Trump has also targeted China over its presence in the Panama Canal and said the US will take control of the waterway even if it means involving the military. China, on the other hand, has warned Washington over its involvement with Taiwan. Both nations have sanctioned each other.

ENGAGING ALL SIDES

Amid all this, India, which according to PM Modi, has “always chosen the side of peace”, aims to engage all sides for positive and constructive outcomes. Earlier this week, S Jaishankar strengthened India-US bilateral ties when he met the US Secretary of State and National Security Adviser for their first foreign engagements after the Trump administration took over. As PM Modi’s special envoy, Dr Jaishankar was also given the first seat at the US President’s inauguration.

As he returned after concluding “a very positive” visit to Washington, India’s foreign secretary heads to Beijing to build the momentum in India-China ties following a meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russia late-last year. Foreign Secretary Misri’s visit was preceded by a visit by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval last month when he met Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi.

REBUILDING AFTER THE STORM

India and China, two of Asia’s leading economies and the world’s most populous nations, are working to boost bilateral ties after a four-and-a-half-year-long military standoff along the Line of Actual Control or LAC brought ties to a grinding halt. After dozens of rounds of talks – both diplomatically and militarily – an agreement was reached and troops on both sides pulled back from the buffer zones, returning the status quo-ante. This happened within a week of PM Modi and Xi Jinping announcing it during a meeting in Russia late last year. Following this, Chinese and Indian foreign and defence ministers also met each other on multilateral occasions.

After Ajit Doval, foreign secretary Vikram Misri’s will be the second high-level visit by an Indian official to Beijing in a month.

A WELCOME FROM BEIJING

China has welcomed Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit this weekend and sounded positive about its outcome. “We welcome Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri’s travel to China for the meeting of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism between China and India,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs also said that “Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will be visiting Beijing on January 26 and 27 for a meeting of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism between India and China. The resumption of this bilateral mechanism flows from the agreement at the leadership level to discuss the next steps for India-China relations, including in the political, economic, and people-to-people domains.”

THE AGENDA

Besides bilateral issues such as boundary talks, maintaining peace along the LAC, the building of the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra, resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, people-to-people ties, resuming direct flights between the two countries, and facilitate the issuance of visas to Chinese citizens, the two sides are also likely to touch upon issues of mutual global interest.

“All matters of mutual interest will be discussed,” the foreign ministry said at a press briefing in New Delhi ahead of the foreign secretary’s visit.

The BRICS+, where both countries are threatened with massive tariffs, might figure in talks as well, as would the latest sanctions threat to countries dealing with Russia and buying Russian oil – again a common threat to both countries. Regional issues such as the situation in the Middle East and in Syria are likely to be discussed too.

US backing out of the Paris Climate agreement and the WHO, as well as the much-needed reform of the United Nations and the Security Council are likely to be discussed as well.

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Washington:

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, has clarified India’s stance, saying that New Delhi is open to the “legitimate return” of Indian nationals living ‘illegally’ abroad, including in the US.

“We have always taken the view that if there are any of our citizens, who are not here legally, if we are sure that they are our citizens, we have always been open to their legitimate return to India. So it’s not a position unique to the US,” EAM Jaishankar said at a press conference in Washington DC on Wednesday (local time).

He affirmed that India’s position on the issue has been “consistent” and “principled” and he did clearly convey this to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“I understand right now that there is a certain debate going on and a resulting sensitivity which is there. But we have been consistent, we have been very principled about it, and that remains our position, and I conveyed that very clearly to US State Secretary Marco Rubio,” he added.

EAM Jaishankar, however, also emphasised that India is very much supportive of ‘legal mobility’ between two countries and wants Indian skills and talent to have great opportunity at the global level.

He said that India is firmly opposed to illegal migration, adding it is not “reputationally good” and also leads to several illegal activities.

“As a government, we obviously are very much supportive of legal mobility because we do believe in a global workplace. We want Indian talent and Indian skills to have the maximum opportunity at a global level,” Mr Jaishankar said.

“At the same time, we are also very firmly opposed to illegal mobility and illegal migration. because you also know that when something illegal happens, many other illegal activities get joined into it… this is not desirable. It’s certainly not reputationally good… So we have with every country, and the US is no exception,” he added.

The Foreign Minister, during his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also pointed out the long waiting period for getting US visas, and said it is not serving the relationship well.

“I also told him (Rubio) that, while we understand all of this, and I also accept that these are autonomous processes, it is in our mutual interest to facilitate legal and mutually beneficial mobility. If it takes 400 odd days waiting period to get a visa, I don’t think the relationship is well served by this. So I think he also noted that point,” he also said.

EAM Jaishankar represented India at the US President Donald Trump’s inaugural function. He also carried a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for President Trump.

Donald Trump took oath as the 47th US President on January 20.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Washington:

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, has clarified India’s stance, saying that New Delhi is open to the “legitimate return” of Indian nationals living ‘illegally’ abroad, including in the US.

“We have always taken the view that if there are any of our citizens, who are not here legally, if we are sure that they are our citizens, we have always been open to their legitimate return to India. So it’s not a position unique to the US,” EAM Jaishankar said at a press conference in Washington DC on Wednesday (local time).

He affirmed that India’s position on the issue has been “consistent” and “principled” and he did clearly convey this to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“I understand right now that there is a certain debate going on and a resulting sensitivity which is there. But we have been consistent, we have been very principled about it, and that remains our position, and I conveyed that very clearly to US State Secretary Marco Rubio,” he added.

EAM Jaishankar, however, also emphasised that India is very much supportive of ‘legal mobility’ between two countries and wants Indian skills and talent to have great opportunity at the global level.

He said that India is firmly opposed to illegal migration, adding it is not “reputationally good” and also leads to several illegal activities.

“As a government, we obviously are very much supportive of legal mobility because we do believe in a global workplace. We want Indian talent and Indian skills to have the maximum opportunity at a global level,” Mr Jaishankar said.

“At the same time, we are also very firmly opposed to illegal mobility and illegal migration. because you also know that when something illegal happens, many other illegal activities get joined into it… this is not desirable. It’s certainly not reputationally good… So we have with every country, and the US is no exception,” he added.

The Foreign Minister, during his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also pointed out the long waiting period for getting US visas, and said it is not serving the relationship well.

“I also told him (Rubio) that, while we understand all of this, and I also accept that these are autonomous processes, it is in our mutual interest to facilitate legal and mutually beneficial mobility. If it takes 400 odd days waiting period to get a visa, I don’t think the relationship is well served by this. So I think he also noted that point,” he also said.

EAM Jaishankar represented India at the US President Donald Trump’s inaugural function. He also carried a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for President Trump.

Donald Trump took oath as the 47th US President on January 20.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Washington:

External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar addressed the status of India’s trade relations with Pakistan, clarifying that New Delhi didn’t cease trade, but rather, it was the Islamabad administration that decided to halt trading in 2019.

“We did not stop trading. Their administration made the decision in 2019 to not continue trading with us,” Mr Jaishankar said in a press conference in Washington DC on Wednesday (local time).

He also reiterated India’s longstanding concern regarding the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status, which India had extended to Pakistan but which Pakistan didn’t reciprocate.

“Our concern about this issue was from the beginning that we should get MFN status. We used to give this status to Pakistan but they did not give it to us,” the EAM said.

Noting that there have been no recent discussions or initiatives on trade from either side, he added, “So, neither such talks have taken place with Pakistan regarding trade from our side, nor did they take any initiative from their side.”

Higlighting India-US ties, Mr Jaishankar said both nations have a “very strong degree” of trust and convergence.

“We have a very strong degree of trust today between India and the United States, a very high level of convergence of our interests,” he said.

He also noted that the two nations share a sense of global good and are committed to serving their national interests while building their bilateral partnership.

“A sense that while we serve our national interest, while we build our bilateral partnership, definitely on regional issues and global issues, there is a lot of good that we can do. So that sense of global good was also very evident conceptually in what we discussed,”
“In terms of the bilateral ties, this was the first day of the administration, so we had sort of essentially a broad brush conversation, didn’t get too deep into details, but there was an agreement, a consensus between us that we need to be bolder, bigger and more ambitious,” he added.

Notably, Mr Jaishankar represented India at US President Donald Trump’s inaugural function. He also carried a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for President Trump.

Donald Trump took oath as the 47th US President on January 20.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Washington DC:

Highlighting a “very high degree of trust” between India and the United States, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today revealed the details of his visit to the United States for Donald Trump’s inauguration and subsequent top-level meetings with senior Trump administration officials.

Describing the special treatment extended to him during his visit as India’s representative, Dr Jaishankar said, “It is very clear that the Trump administration is prioritising the bilateral relationship with India.”

Dr Jaishankar said that one of the concerns he raised in his meeting with his US counterpart Marco Rubio was that of the delay in the visa process. “It hampers work, business, travel, and tourism,” the minister said.

Grateful for the warmth and the hospitality he received, and for being given the front seat at the Trump inauguration, Dr Jaishankar said, “A special envoy of Prime Minister Modi is naturally treated very well.” S Jaishankar represented Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his Special Envoy at the inaugural function of President Donald Trump in Washington DC. He even carried a letter from the Prime Minister for President Trump.

Speaking further on his meetings with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Walz, Dr Jaishankar said that the efforts of the new Trump administration are to build on the “strong foundation” laid by the previous Trump administration between 2017 and 2021.

Speaking about the Quad foreign ministers’ meet which was held on day-one of the Trump administration, Dr Jaishankar said that the US is keen to expand the scope and scale of the Quad, adding that Washington wants to intensify the activities of the multilateral grouping which is a diplomatic and security partnership set up by the four nations to maintain peace and freedom of navigation under a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.

“If I were to share my overall impressions, I would say one, it was very keen. It was very clear that the Trump administration was keen to have India present at the inaugural itself. They’re clearly prioritising the bilateral relationship. Secondly, in the meetings, it was also evident that they would like to build on the foundation of the relationship, a foundation which the first Trump administration also contributed a lot to building,” Dr Jaishankar said.

He further highlighted that “President Trump and Prime Minister Modi at that time took a number of initiatives, and we have seen that mature in many ways. And the third impression was, with regard to the Quad, a very strong sense that the current administration would reciprocate our desire as well to take the Quad further, to intensify its activities.”

Washington DC:

Indicating the importance Washington gives to New Delhi as the new Trump administration takes office, US Secretary of State Maro Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Walz held their first bilateral and international meets respectively with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar is in Washington at the invitation of the US Government to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States. The meeting between the two top diplomats representing the world’s oldest and largest democracies took place at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the US State Department. The bilateral meeting was preceded by the first Quad ministerial meet after Donald Trump became President.

NEW US SECRETARY OF STATE’S FIRST BILATERAL MEETING

Marco Rubio’s decision to have his first bilateral meeting with India’s S Jaishankar assumes significance given that the first foreign outreach of any previous new US administration traditionally has been with its two neighbours Canada and Mexico, or with one of its NATO allies.

The bilateral meeting between new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Dr Jaishankar comes less than an hour after the former officially took office. The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions during which they delved into the entire gamut of the India-US strategic partnership. The meeting, which lasted for over an hour, also had India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, being part of it.

Immediately after the meeting, Secretary Rubio and Dr Jaishankar made a joint appearance before the international press, where they shook hands and posed for the official photographs.

“Delighted to meet @secrubio for his first bilateral meeting after assumption of office as Secretary of State. Reviewed our extensive bilateral partnership, of which @secrubio has been a strong advocate. Also exchanged views on a wide range of regional and global issues. Look forward to closely working with him to advance our strategic cooperation,” Dr Jaishankar wrote on social media platform X shortly after the meeting.

Delighted to meet @secrubio for his first bilateral meeting after assumption of office as Secretary of State.

Reviewed our extensive bilateral partnership, of which @secrubio has been a strong advocate.

Also exchanged views on a wide range of regional and global issues.

Look… pic.twitter.com/NVpBUEAyHK

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 21, 2025

NEW TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S MAIDEN QUAD MEET

Immediately before the two leaders met for bilateral talks, they joined their counterparts Penny Wong from Australia and Iwaya Takeshi from Japan for the new Trump administration’s maiden Quad meeting – a diplomatic and security partnership set up by the four nations to maintain peace and freedom of navigation under a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.

The meeting between the four top leaders went on for more than an hour, at the end of which they appeared before the press for a customary photograph. They however, did not take any questions or give any statement.

“Attended a productive Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting today in Washington DC. Thank @secrubio for hosting us and FMs @SenatorWong and Takeshi Iwaya for their participation,” Dr Jaishankar wrote, adding that it is “Significant that the Quad FMM took place within hours of the inauguration of the Trump administration. This underlines the priority it has in the foreign policy of its member states. Our wide-ranging discussions addressed different dimensions of ensuring a free, open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

Attended a productive Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting today in Washington DC. Thank @secrubio for hosting us and FMs @SenatorWong & Takeshi Iwaya for their participation.

Significant that the Quad FMM took place within hours of the inauguration of the Trump Administration. This… pic.twitter.com/uGa4rjg1Bw

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 21, 2025

He further noted that the four leaders “Agreed on the importance of thinking bigger, deepening the agenda and intensifying our collaboration. The meeting today sends a clear message that in an uncertain and volatile world, the Quad will continue to be a force for global good.”

MEETING WITH NEW US NSA MIKE WALZ

After these two meetings, Dr Jaishankar held another top meeting – with new US National Security Adviser or NSA Mike Walz. For Mr Walz too, this was his first international meeting since taking office earlier that same day. The meeting took place at the White House.

“Great to meet NSA @michaelgwaltz again this afternoon. Discussed strengthening our friendship to ensure mutual benefit and enhance global stability and prosperity. Looking forward to working together on an active and outcome oriented agenda,” Dr Jaishankar said after the meeting.

Great to meet NSA @michaelgwaltz again this afternoon.

Discussed strengthening our friendship to ensure mutual benefit and enhance global stability and prosperity.

Looking forward to working together on an active and outcome oriented agenda.

pic.twitter.com/LUlc1WBbWm

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 21, 2025

On Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was seen in the front row as US President Donald Trump delivered his inaugural address at the Capital Rotunda in Washington DC. Dr Jaishankar said it was a “great honour” to attend the ceremony as India’s special envoy. He also met members of the new Trump administration, including the 56th Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and nominee for the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Kash Patel.

He also exchanged a handshake with Vivek Ramaswamy, who quit the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency to possible pursue the race for Ohio Governor.
 

Washington DC:

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended Donald Trump’s grand inauguration ceremony at the US Capitol. He is among a select few world leaders who were extended an invitation by Donald Trump’s incoming administration. Mr Jaishankar is reportedly carrying a letter on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for President Trump, who returned to the White House today for his second term.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also became one of the first leaders in the world to congratulate Donald Trump after he took oath on Monday, saying “Congratulations my dear friend President Donald Trump on your historic inauguration as the 47th President of the United States! I look forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both our countries, and to shape a better future for the world. Best wishes for a successful term ahead!”

Congratulations my dear friend President @realDonaldTrump on your historic inauguration as the 47th President of the United States! I look forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both our countries, and to shape a better future for the world. Best wishes for a…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2025

At Donald Trump’s inauguration, Mr Jaishankar was seated in the front row immediately in front of Presindet Trump as he gave his first speech as the 47th President of the US. India and US share a special, privileged, and strategic partnership.

Mr Jaishankar also attended the special prayer ceremony organised for Mr Trump ahead of his oath ceremony.

“Privileged to represent India as External Affairs Minister and Special Envoy of PM at the swearing-in ceremony of the 47th President of the United States of America today in Washington DC. Attended the Inauguration Day Prayer Service at St John’s Church this morning,” the minister wrote on X.

Privileged to represent as External Affairs Minister and Special Envoy of PM at the Swearing-In Ceremony of the 47th President of the United States of America today in Washington DC.

Attended the Inauguration Day Prayer Service at St John’s Church this morning.

pic.twitter.com/ktod8SdbpI

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 20, 2025

During the visit, Mr Jaishankar will hold meetings with key representatives of the incoming Trump Administration, as well as other senior dignitaries visiting the US on the occasion. The External Affairs Minister’s presence at the presidential inauguration was in line with India’s general practice to send special envoys to attend the swearing-in ceremony of heads of state and government.

Mr Jaishankar reached a day earlier and held a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya where both ministers took stock of salient issues in bilateral cooperation, including in the political, security, economic, technological, and people-to-people domains.