As the US presidential election draws near, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday, August 13, expressed confidence that India will successfully work with the next President of the United States, regardless of who occupies the Oval Office. Responding to a question during a panel discussion at an event in New Delhi, Jaishankar remarked, “We generally don’t comment on other people’s elections, because we also hope others don’t comment on ours.”
“But, the American system will throw up its verdict, and I am not saying just as a formality, but if you look at the last 20 odd years, maybe a little bit more, for us, we have every confidence that we will be able to work with the President of the United States, whoever he or she will be,” PTI quoted Jaishankar as saying.
When asked how he views the current global situation, predicting a “very grim forecast, for the next five years,” Jaishankar stated, “If you ask me my view of the world, I am an optimistic person and generally tend to think of the solutions to problems rather than problems which come out of solutions. But, I would say with a great deal of sobriety that we are going through an exceptionally difficult period.”
The Minister highlighted various global challenges, including ongoing issues in the Middle East, Ukraine, South East Asia, and East Asia, as well as the lingering impact of COVID-19.
He also noted economic difficulties, trade issues, foreign exchange shortages, and disruptions like those seen in the Red Sea.