In response to US President Donald Trump’s declaration of a 25% tax on Indian imports, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reaffirmed the robustness and resiliency of India-US relations in spite of the latest trade action.
The bilateral relationship between the United States and India has “weathered many transitions and challenges” and is still based on respect and common interests, according to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
He emphasized that the two countries’ defense ties have been getting stronger over the past several years and mentioned how they may continue to grow as a result of the substantive agenda that both have committed to. Despite the tariffs and other issues, the MEA expressed confidence that the partnership will continue to progress.
In response to Trump’s particular criticism of India’s ongoing purchases of oil and military hardware from Russia, Jaiswal also provided clarification on India’s energy and defense sourcing policy. He said that India’s sourcing choices are “made exclusively by our national security imperatives and strategic assessments” and that the availability of global markets and current conditions serve as the basis for energy procurement decisions.
The MEA stressed that bilateral ties should not be viewed through the lens of any third party and characterized the India-Russia alliance as stable and tried-and-true. Although India has gradually expanded its defense procurements outside of Russia in recent years, it remains heavily relies on Russian legacy supplies.
The MEA also reiterated that the goal of current talks with the US is to reach a bilateral trade agreement that is equitable, balanced, and advantageous to both parties. The government stated that while it is closely examining the ramifications of the tariff decision, it is still dedicated to moving the trade deal talks forwardThe MEA message was one of diplomatic pragmatism and confidence in the long-term strength and potential of the India-US alliance across commerce, defense, and strategic domains, despite President Trump’s imposition of 25% tariffs and corresponding penalties connected to India’s ties with Russia.
India maintained its focus on meaningful bilateral interaction rather than public acrimony and emphasized its sovereign right to choose defense and energy sourcing in accordance with national interests.
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