New Delhi, Aug 1 — India on Friday said its strategic partnership with the United States remains strong and forward-looking, even as it responded to new US-imposed tariffs and penalties, including those related to oil and weapons purchases from Russia.
“We remain focused on the substantive agenda that our two countries have committed to and are confident that the relationship will continue to move forward,” said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, when asked about the 25% tariffs and related penalties announced under the Donald Trump administration.
He emphasised that India-US ties have weathered past transitions and challenges, and are built on shared democratic values, strategic convergence, and robust people-to-people ties.
“India and the United States share a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties,” said Jaiswal.
On questions regarding India’s defence ties with the US, Jaiswal asserted that the relationship has grown steadily over the years.
“We have a strong defence partnership with the US which has been strengthening over the last several years,” he said, adding that there was scope to deepen this further under the India-US ‘COMPACT’ framework for 21st-century cooperation.
Asked about penalties linked to India’s continued energy and defence cooperation with Russia, the MEA spokesperson rejected any suggestion that such ties should be viewed through a third-country lens.
“Our bilateral relationships with various countries stand on their own merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country,” he said.
“India and Russia have a steady and time-tested partnership, and sourcing of energy and defence needs is aligned with national security imperatives and strategic assessments.”
India has consistently maintained that its strategic autonomy guides foreign policy decisions, especially in the realm of defence and energy.
