India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, speaking during an event in Canberra, said his take on the changing direction of America in international relations. Be it the next person in the White House or not, the nation is slowly drifting toward becoming an isolationist power, Jaishankar said while also pointing out that this move is not related to some specific administration's ideology.

Jaishankar speaks on US policy trends

“Probably starting from (President Barack) Obama, the US has become much more cautious about its global commitments,” Jaishankar said, referencing recent events like the US withdrawal from Afghanistan under President Joe Biden. He further noted, “President Trump may be more articulate and expressive in that regard.”

Jaishankar pointed out, “It's important to look at the US more nationally than purely in terms of the ideology of the administration of the day.” He suggested that analysts need to keep in view that the dominance and global generosity with which the world has become accustomed may not be sustainable.

While speaking about India's relations with the United States, Jaishankar remained optimistic and said the association between the two would expand further despite America looking increasingly inward. He referred to the new situation by asking countries to make the world a more level and cooperative place.

Global allies adapting to a changing world order

The event featured insights from Australia and New Zealand’s foreign ministers, who echoed Jaishankar’s call for cooperation in adapting to a new era of global relations. "New Zealand’s Foreign Minister 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.”

As US engagement on the international plane is changing, the ministers collectively emphasized that it is high time to actively seek options for an international environment they wish to see.