Speaking at an event in Canberra, Indian Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar remarked that the United States is likely to continue a trend toward isolationism, irrespective of the results of its recent presidential election. As Americans cast their votes, Jaishankar noted that this shift began during Barack Obama’s presidency and has steadily developed over successive administrations.
“Starting from Obama, the U.S. has become more cautious about its global commitments,” Jaishankar stated, referencing the country’s reluctance to deploy troops abroad and its 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan under President Joe Biden. While President Trump has expressed this stance more openly, Jaishankar suggested it’s essential to view U.S. policy through a national lens rather than focusing solely on individual administrations’ ideologies.
Jaishankar indicated that the world may need to adapt to a future where the U.S. plays a less dominant and generous global role. However, he emphasized that India’s relationship with the U.S. remains strong and is expected to continue growing.
During the panel, Jaishankar, along with Australia’s and New Zealand’s foreign ministers, agreed that their countries must take a proactive role in shaping the global environment. New Zealand’s Winston Peters added, “There is more protectionism. The world we were once trying to build on is changing, and we’ll have to react and change with it.”
This shift in U.S. policy reflects an evolving approach to international collaboration, prompting other nations to assume greater responsibility for establishing a stable, cooperative world order.
