India engaging global partners more intensively, says Jaishankar; cites recent trade deals

**EDS: THIRD PARTY IMAGE** In this image posted on Feb. 14, 2026, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar participates in Ananta Aspen Centre's Roundtable 'Delhi Decides: Mapping India's Policy Calculus' during the 62nd Munich Security Conference, in Munich, Germany. (@DrSJaishankar/X via PTI Photo)(PTI02_14_2026_000495B)

Mumbai, Feb 17: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said India is engaging global partners more intensively from a position of strength, pointing to recently concluded trade deals, even as New Delhi moves ahead with a pact with the US.

Speaking at the Global Economic Cooperation conference here, Jaishankar said the world is witnessing the “weaponisation” of production and finance, the leveraging of market shares and tighter export controls.

He said the international environment has turned volatile and uncertain—possibly the most turbulent in living memory—arguing that the established global order is changing and workable replacements are difficult to create.

The remarks come amid recent India–US trade-related announcements, including a US move to reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 50 per cent following high-level engagement, as reported by global media.

They also follow the conclusion of negotiations for the proposed India–EU free trade agreement, which officials have said will boost two-way commerce and deepen economic ties.

By Juhi | With inputs from PTI