"India’s Foreign Minister to Le Figaro: ‘The Global South Wants the War in Ukraine to End’”
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW – Subrahmanyam Jaishankar warns Pakistan against any new terrorist attacks and explains India’s refusal to take sides between Moscow and Kyiv.
A career diplomat, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has been India’s Minister of External Affairs since 2019.
LE FIGARO – Is there an intensification of cooperation between India and France?
Subrahmanyam JAISHANKAR – For many years, India has had a very strong economic and strategic, civil and military partnership with France. For decades, our approaches and positions have been shaped by our conversations with France. The word "trust” is central to this relationship. For example, in our nuclear policy or strategic posture, we are driven by the will to maintain our national capabilities. It is a solid relationship between two major independent powers that, in a turbulent multipolar world, understand the importance of strategic autonomy. We aim to strengthen partnerships with France in defense, nuclear energy, AI, space, environment… France is also part of the Mediterranean region, which is very important for us.
What is the current situation in Kashmir? Should we fear continued military action between India and Pakistan?
This is about terrorism. It has become an India–Pakistan issue because Pakistan harbors and supports terrorists (from Lashkar-e-Taiba). The conflict is between India and terrorism, not with a specific country. The most recent attack took place in Jammu and Kashmir (on April 22), but others have occurred elsewhere, like the 2008 Mumbai attacks. This is not a dispute with Pakistan over Kashmir—we simply have zero tolerance for terrorism. And if terrorists attack India, we will hunt them down wherever they are, including in Pakistan. We have been very clear: as long as cross-border terrorism continues, we will retaliate and take all measures necessary for our self-defense. It’s a basic duty to our people.
Do you feel supported by your allies?
There was widespread international understanding of our response to that attack. The UN Security Council called for accountability and justice. That is exactly what we pursued on May 7 by striking terrorist bases.
Your powerful neighbor China supports Pakistan?
They have had close ties for decades. But on an issue like terrorism, you cannot afford ambiguity or double standards. In the end, it’s a problem that concerns all of us.
Do you see China’s behavior in the Indo-Pacific as a threat?
Above all, we are neighbors. We are two ancient civilizations that still exist today as nation-states. We also both have populations exceeding a billion. The fact is, both our powers are rising quickly, so finding balance is a complex process. Moreover, we have an unresolved border dispute in the Himalayas, which makes it a crucial parameter for our national security. And since our two countries wield large influence in the Indo-Pacific region, it’s not just a bilateral matter.
Do you foresee an improvement in relations with Beijing?
Clearly, our relations have gone through a difficult period since the 2020 military clash in the Himalayas. Many of our exchanges were suspended. The key question for us is: how do we ensure peace and stability in the border areas? Without that, everything else is affected. I believe both sides think relations can improve step by step. We’ve discussed some measures, and others are under consideration—like the resumption of direct flights, suspended since Covid.
Washington is threatening Delhi with 26% tariffs: Do you still maintain good relations with the Trump administration?
For over a quarter-century, under five U.S. presidents, our ties with the U.S. have continuously strengthened. Structural forces—economic, technological, educational, scientific, strategic, military—are driving this relationship. The threat of reciprocal tariffs was raised on April 2, but we had already begun bilateral negotiations for a trade agreement. Prime Minister Modi was hosted by Donald Trump in February, and they agreed to expand access to each other’s markets. We are hopeful of reaching an agreement before the tariff suspension ends on July 9.
What is your view of Trump’s foreign policy?
From our perspective, we noticed early on his interest in the Quad (dialogue between the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia) and his firm commitment to advancing it. Regarding the rest of the world, we see the U.S. acting in line with its immediate self-interest. To be honest, I would do the same with them.
Do you wish for reconciliation between Trump and Putin?
It’s not just about two men. We’ve always believed that an urgent solution to the war in Ukraine must be found—and that it won’t come from the battlefield. There must be direct negotiation between the parties, the sooner the better. We don’t prescribe the outcome; that’s for the parties involved to decide.
So you don’t want to take sides?
No. We’ve helped both Ukraine and Russia as much as we could. My Prime Minister has been to Moscow and also to Kyiv. In Europe, your approach is different because you’re part of Europe. But it’s different for other countries. Large parts of the world—from Africa to Latin America to the Pacific islands—feel their economies and stability have been negatively affected by this conflict. The world wants it to stop. On this issue, we speak on behalf of the Global South.
What does the "Global South” represent to you?
It refers to developing countries that have endured the painful legacy of colonization and are now trying to rebuild their societies and economies and earn the place they deserve in the international order. There is a sense of solidarity between us that makes us stronger—we saw it during Covid. India doesn’t have a very high per capita GDP, but we still support the development of 78 other Global South countries.
Indian society experiences internal tensions, notably with its large Muslim minority of 200 million. Could that affect India’s image?
That is largely exaggerated, and sometimes outright false. When it comes to diversity, we are very different from Europe. Here, nations are typically based on one language, often one religion. Uniformity is your natural state, and you struggle with diversity. But we have always lived amid diversity. For us, multiple languages, beliefs, ethnicities, and traditions are part of who we are. Religion is only one facet of our identity. That’s why I reject the premise of your question.
Should India have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council?
We are the most populous country on the planet, the fourth or fifth largest economy by volume, we are increasingly active on the world stage—through peacekeeping, through contributing to regional prosperity and stability. Many of our actions positively impact other nations. Are we ready to take on a greater role? Yes. It’s not just our wish—many countries are calling for it. The UN is 80 years old and struggling with its responsibilities. So would the world be better off? The answer is yes again.