'Not for me to publicly take position': Jaishankar responds to journalist on Trump's China policies

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the growing importance of the India-US partnership in addressing global challenges.

During his address at the Quad media briefing when asked about the policies of the United States on China, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar declined to comment on it.

Responding to a journalist’s question, he said, “What is the policy of an American administration towards China is either for the Americans to explain or the Chinese to comment. It is not for me to publicly take a position on this. What can I say for someone who has come here and interacted with key foreign policy figures of the administration is that they are positive towards our country and our relationship. But beyond that for me to comment on another bilateral relationship would not be appropriate.” Watch here.

Speaking about US Donald Trump’s executive order on TikTok ban, the minister said the sentiment during the Quad meeting was “very clear that the Indo-Pacific is a very crucial region”.

“It is important that there is stability and security there. The sentiment was very succinctly captured in the statement. But beyond that, to comment on another bilateral relationship would not be appropriate,” Jaishankar told the media briefing.

A joint statement issued by the Quad Foreign Ministers emphasised their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, upholding democratic values, sovereignty, and international law.

Jaishankar also addressed India’s position on migration, expressing openness to the “legitimate return” of Indian nationals living abroad illegally. He made it clear that while India is against illegal migration, it supports legal mobility, promoting the movement of Indian talent and skills globally.

“If there are any of our citizens who are not here legally, and if we are sure that they are our citizens, we have always been open to their legitimate return to India,” he said.

Jaishankar also condemned the 2023 arson attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, describing it as a “very serious matter” and called for those responsible to be held accountable. The attack, believed to be orchestrated by pro-Khalistani protestors, involved criminal trespass, arson, and property damage. US authorities strongly condemned the incident and initiated an investigation.