External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is embarking on a diplomatic visit to the United States from December 24 to 29, 2024. The visit comes at a crucial moment as it precedes the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, presenting a significant opportunity for high-level bilateral engagements.
What will the External Affairs Minister focus on, given that Mr. Trump will become the US President in January?
Minister Jaishankar’s visit would likely set the tone for India-US relations in the Trump era. Key points likely to be addressed include:
Economic Ties: Mr. Trump has signaled that he could increase the tariff on Indian imports to the US. Mr. Jaishankar may attempt to address the issue to mutual satisfaction.
Also, with the recent fluctuations in the Indian rupee, discussions might pivot towards economic cooperation, trade agreements, and investment opportunities to bolster economic resilience.
Continuation of Strategic Dialogues: Ensuring that ongoing dialogues like the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue continue to flourish, focusing on defense cooperation and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Global Issues: Given India’s emerging role as a voice for the Global South, Jaishankar might engage in conversations about climate change, global health, and multilateralism, especially in the context of India’s G20 presidency.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties: The Minister could focus on further strengthening the connections with the Indian diaspora in the US, which plays a crucial role in the cultural and economic bridge between the two nations.
Apart from bilateral discussions, Minister Jaishankar will also chair a conference of Indian Consul Generals in the USA, focusing on strategically deploying diplomatic resources and enhancing consular services for the Indian diaspora.