India should remain America’s best friend despite non-alignment, says JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon

JPMorgan Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon said that India should remain America’s best friend, even while continuing its policy of non-alignment. Speaking exclusively to CNBC-TV18 on the sidelines of the bank’s 10th Annual India Conference, Dimon expressed optimism about the future of US-India relations.

“India is a great friend of America. It should be. I know it's non-aligned, and it should stay non-aligned, but with that non-alignment, we should be their best friend,” Dimon said. He added that ongoing trade issues, including the Ukraine and Russian oil situation, had complicated relations, but he remains hopeful that both sides will resolve matters intelligently.

“I think they want to do something on the American side, and I think they want to do something on the Indian side. I'm hoping that they resolve it intelligently. I think it would be good for both parties,” he said.

Dimon also discussed the ongoing H-1B visa issue, which he said had caught many by surprise. He emphasised the importance of merit-based immigration, saying, “I believe in merit-based immigration. In fact, I would urge the President—he has accomplished border control, which is great. I think all nations want real border control that helps make a nation, but after that, we should have good immigration. I've heard him say publicly, "More merit-based immigration, good seasonal workers should stay, doctors stay, and if you get a degree in America, we just stamp a green card onto it." I agree with those kinds of things. So, hopefully, we'll be engaged with the government on this too.”

Dimon’s remarks come at a time when the US and India are seeking ways to deepen economic and strategic ties, even as global trade uncertainties and immigration concerns remain on the agenda.