Jaishankar says lack of US empathy on terror hurts ties

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday, 28 September 2026, that insufficient understanding among India’s partners about its cross-border terrorism concerns directly impacts bilateral relations, in an implicit reference to the United States. Speaking at an Asia Society event in New York, he said few countries have faced terrorism from a neighbour as a deliberate state policy over decades as India has from Pakistan. '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, according to multiple reports.

Jaishankar’s remarks come as Washington has deepened engagement with Islamabad under President Donald Trump, who hosted Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House. The minister also flagged differences over trade, tariffs, India’s Russian energy purchases and growing opposition to immigration in the US. He said India hopes the relationship moves on an upward trajectory but acknowledged issues must be resolved.

Update, 30 September 2026: New sources from Freepress Journal and Hindustan Times confirm Jaishankar’s remarks. Hindustan Times adds that he flagged growing opposition to immigration in the US and described the India-US trade deal as ‘very, very far advanced’. It also reports that Jaishankar raised concerns over the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act in his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.