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Jaishankar Confident on US Ties Future
India Confident in U.S. Ties Despite Election Outcome
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, recently emphasized India’s confidence in the steady growth of India-US relations, irrespective of the outcome of the ongoing U.S. election. Speaking at a joint press briefing in Canberra with his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, Jaishankar assured that India has seen “steady progress” in its relationship with the U.S. over the last five presidencies. He expressed optimism that regardless of whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump becomes the next U.S. president, the bilateral bond would only strengthen.
Jaishankar’s statements come as millions of Americans head to the polls to elect the 47th U.S. president, concluding a highly divisive election cycle. The confidence expressed by Jaishankar underscores the resilience and mutual commitment in India-US relations after the election, a perspective further reinforced by both Indian and Australian officials.
The Quad’s Continued Importance in the Indo-Pacific Region
During the briefing, Jaishankar also shared his positive outlook on the Quad, an alliance comprising the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia, which focuses on promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The Quad, also known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, was revitalized in 2017 under former U.S. President Donald Trump. The strategic coalition aims to counter China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific region, although China has claimed that the Quad is intended to contain its rise.
Jaishankar highlighted that the Quad was elevated to a ministerial level under Trump’s previous presidency, a step that has significantly strengthened its role in regional stability. He pointed out that one of the rare in-person meetings held during the Covid-19 pandemic was a Quad meeting in Tokyo in 2020. This consistency demonstrates the India-US relations after election and the Quad’s ongoing relevance as a platform for addressing shared concerns among democratic nations in the Indo-Pacific.
Australian Foreign Minister Supports Quad’s Strategic Importance
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong echoed Jaishankar’s sentiments on the Quad, affirming that Australia values the coalition’s strategic discussions. Wong stated that Australia sees the grouping as “retaining its importance regardless of the outcome of the election.” She emphasized the alignment of interests among the Quad countries and stressed the value of having different perspectives from countries like the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia. These shared perspectives reflect a collective vision for a stable Indo-Pacific region, underscoring the Quad’s significance in advancing a cooperative and secure environment.
According to Wong, the Quad facilitates an “arrangement, a meeting, a grouping” of nations with similar interests in the region they envision. This view aligns with India-US relations after election, reaffirming that the partnership will remain strong and that the coalition will continue to serve as a strategic dialogue platform with long-term objectives.
Progress in India-US Relations Over Recent Years
Jaishankar noted that India has maintained steady progress in its relations with the U.S. across multiple administrations, including during Trump’s previous presidency. This continuity has solidified the diplomatic, economic, and strategic dimensions of India-U.S. ties. Reflecting on past cooperation, Jaishankar remarked that India expects this positive trajectory to persist, regardless of the election results.
“Our relationship with the United States has only strengthened over time, and we remain confident that it will continue to do so, no matter which administration comes into power,” Jaishankar said. His remarks underline the deep-rooted nature of India-US relations after election, grounded in shared democratic values, mutual interests, and a collective vision for global stability.
Quad’s Role in Countering Regional Threats
Established in 2017, the Quad alliance aims to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific, a region that has become increasingly important in global geopolitics. The U.S., Japan, India, and Australia formed the coalition to counter regional challenges, particularly China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea and beyond. China has criticized the Quad, viewing it as a strategic attempt to contain its influence, although the member nations emphasize that the coalition promotes stability rather than confrontation.
The importance of the Quad in India’s foreign policy is underscored by its role as a security dialogue platform, allowing member countries to address common concerns such as maritime security, cyber threats, and freedom of navigation. This alignment of interests enhances India-US relations after election and reinforces the significance of the Quad as a critical regional coalition.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Jaishankar’s visit to Canberra and his joint statements with Wong underscore the solidarity between Quad nations and their shared vision for a stable Indo-Pacific. Both Jaishankar and Wong reiterated their commitment to the Quad, affirming that its role will remain crucial irrespective of changes in the U.S. administration.
Jaishankar highlighted that the Quad’s revival in 2017 demonstrated the importance placed on this grouping and its resilience in adapting to changing geopolitical landscapes. Wong emphasized that Australia shares a similar outlook with India and other Quad members on the importance of the Indo-Pacific’s security and prosperity.
Conclusion
S. Jaishankar’s confidence in India-US relations after the election reflects a pragmatic approach to diplomacy, focused on long-term stability rather than political cycles. His optimism about the Quad’s future highlights the coalition’s role in countering regional challenges and promoting an inclusive Indo-Pacific.
As the U.S. election draws to a close, the reassurance from Indian and Australian leaders emphasizes a consistent commitment to mutual goals. The Quad will continue to be a vital platform for these like-minded nations, ensuring that India-US relations after election stay strong and that Indo-Pacific interests are upheld.
Disclaimer: This article provides an overview of comments made by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding India-US relations and the future of the Quad alliance, intended for informational purposes only.
