In a comprehensive discussion held in Canberra, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the trajectory of U.S. foreign policy, which he believes is becoming increasingly isolationist and inward-focused. He noted that this trend is likely to persist regardless of the outcome of the current U.S. presidential election, signaling a deep-rooted shift in the nation's approach to global engagement. According to Jaishankar, the U.S. has gradually adopted a more restrained stance in its foreign commitments, starting from the Obama administration and carrying through subsequent administrations, including Biden's recent decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan.
Jaishankar highlighted that former President Donald Trump was especially vocal and candid in articulating this shift, expressing a more transactional and nationalist view on America’s role in global affairs. However, Jaishankar argued that such tendencies are not unique to any one administration but rather reflect a broader recalibration within the United States itself. “If we are truly analyzing them, I think we have to prepare for a world where actually the kind of dominance and generosity which the U.S. had in the early days may not continue,” he noted. The minister emphasized that rather than expecting the U.S. to play the same role it once did in shaping global stability, other nations would need to adapt and take on greater responsibility.
Jaishankar further underscored that while the nature of U.S. engagement might evolve, the relationship between India and the United States would likely grow stronger. He suggested that the alignment of values and strategic interests between the two nations provides a solid foundation for continued collaboration, even in a shifting geopolitical landscape. India and the U.S. are finding common ground on issues such as countering terrorism, addressing climate change, and strengthening economic ties. This growing partnership, he said, reflects a mutual understanding of the importance of a resilient Indo-Pacific region, where India could play a pivotal role in maintaining stability alongside its strategic allies.
The discussion also included input from Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong and New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters, who agreed with Jaishankar's views on the implications of an increasingly protectionist and self-focused United States. Peters noted that the traditional framework of a globally cooperative order is undergoing significant stress, driven by mounting economic protectionism, political polarization, and changing alliances. “The world we were once trying to build on is changing, and we’ll have to react and change with it,” Peters remarked, underlining the need for agile diplomacy and adaptable policies.
Jaishankar emphasized the importance of forming a "collaborative consensual arrangement" among like-minded nations to address pressing global challenges in areas like trade, security, and climate resilience. Such collaborations, he argued, would allow countries like India, Australia, and New Zealand to have a greater say in shaping the global order and to protect their interests more effectively in an era where traditional superpowers may be less willing to bear the burden of leadership. By fostering multilateral frameworks that emphasize regional stability and mutual benefit, he suggested that middle powers could collectively mitigate some of the uncertainties introduced by the evolving U.S. stance.
The discussion reflected a shared sentiment among the ministers that the world is moving into a multipolar era where no single nation will dominate to the extent seen in previous decades. Instead, they advocated for a more balanced and cooperative global system that would accommodate the interests of a broader range of players. This approach could involve bolstering regional coalitions, such as the Quad (comprising India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia), which is emerging as a significant forum for dialogue and collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. By taking on a more assertive role, these countries hope to create a stable environment that safeguards their national interests while contributing to global peace and prosperity.
Ultimately, Jaishankar’s remarks, along with the insights of Wong and Peters, underscored a vision for a reimagined global order—one that is less dependent on American leadership and more resilient in the face of diverse and unpredictable challenges. The ministers expressed a collective commitment to maintaining open lines of communication, strengthening partnerships, and building a world where responsibility is shared among nations willing to contribute actively to international peace and stability. The discussion marked a call for a proactive and dynamic approach to diplomacy, one that prioritizes regional cooperation as a means to navigate an increasingly fragmented global landscape.
