‘We are not one of them’: EAM Jaishankar says India is not ‘nervous’ about Trump’s win, unlike other nations

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday (November 10) said that although many ‘countries are nervous’ about the US presidential election outcome, India is not one of them.

Speaking at the Silver Jubilee of the Aditya Birla Group Scholarships Programme in Mumbai, Jaishankar responded a question regarding the possible impact of the US election outcome on India-U.S. relations, especially given Prime Minister Modi’s established rapport with President-elect Trump. He said, “You know, the prime minister Modi was among the first three calls, I think, that President Trump took. One prime minister Modi has actually built a rapport across multiple presidents. When first came to DC Obama was the president then it was Trump and it was Biden.”

Jaishankar added, “So you know for him, it’s there something natural in terms of how he forges those relationships, so that’s helped usually, and I think you know the changes in India have helped as well and I know today a lot of countries are nervous about the US, let’s be honest about it. We are not one of them.”

Jaishankar also highlighted India’s growing global influence, saying, “India is today the fifth largest economy in the world certain to be third by the end of the decade. Our interaction with the world and interest in it have grown proportionately. Exports have increased significantly in the last decade especially in services. Investments in India have also more than doubled during this period. There is a perceptible interest in engaging with us reflected in the steady flow of high-profile visitors and businesses.”

On Thursday, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared details of Modi’s message, “India celebrates this expression of people’s mandate.” 

“PM Modi spoke to Donald Trump. We Look forward to work with him closely. During the call, the two leaders discussed that both India and US will work for the betterment of the people, And for global peace and prosperity” Jaiswal said.

Modi had also posted on X about his conversation with Trump, referring to him as a “friend.” He wrote, “Heartiest congratulations my friend @realDonaldTrump on your historic election victory.”

Trump, who previously served as the 45th President, is set to begin his new term as the 47th President of the United States on January 25, following his recent win over Democratic rival Kamala Harris.

(With inputs from agencies)