EAM Jaishankar Says US ‘Lack of Empathy’ on India’s Terror Concerns is Straining Bilateral Ties

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said insufficient understanding in Washington of India’s concerns over cross-border terrorism is affecting bilateral ties, placing security alongside trade as a source of friction between the two countries.

Speaking at an Asia Society event in New York on Monday, Jaishankar said a partner’s response to issues central to India’s national security had consequences for the wider relationship. His remarks referred to what India has long described as Pakistan’s use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

“Perhaps there are very few countries which have been subjected to the kind of terrorism that we have from a neighbour as part of a deliberate conscious policy over many, many decades,” he said.

‘Something Which Matters So Deeply to Us’

Jaishankar described security as “particularly important” for India and questioned whether its concerns were receiving sufficient recognition from the United States.

“Now, if something which matters so deeply to us, there isn’t enough understanding or appreciation or empathy of that, I think that creates a problem,” he said.

The minister linked that lack of understanding directly to the quality of bilateral engagement. His argument placed recognition of India’s security priorities at the centre of efforts to strengthen the partnership.

“If one of my primary concerns is not fully appreciated by my partner, then clearly there is an impact on that on the relationship,” he said.

Security Concerns Alongside Trade Differences

Jaishankar identified trade complications as another factor hindering stronger India-US relations. His remarks presented terrorism as a distinct concern with its own implications for diplomatic ties.

By describing cross-border terrorism as a deliberate policy pursued over decades, the minister emphasised the sustained nature of the threat India faces. The concern he outlined extended beyond individual attacks to the support that enables terrorism to persist.

His comments also set out an expectation of the US partnership: closer cooperation requires a fuller appreciation of the threats India considers fundamental to its security.

The message to Washington was that differences over how those threats are understood can carry a cost across the relationship, even as the two countries work through their trade disagreements.

With inputs from ANI