India Reaffirms Robust US Ties Amid Trump’s Tariff Decision and Russia Remarks

India on Thursday reaffirmed the strength and resilience of its strategic partnership with the United States, even as former US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports starting August 1. Trump cited high trade barriers and India’s continued defence and energy ties with Russia as reasons for the move.

In response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed the concerns as unwarranted and underscored that India-US relations have consistently withstood political shifts and global challenges.

“We have strong defence ties with the US, which have grown significantly in recent years,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal at a weekly press briefing. “There is potential for our partnership to deepen further. Our focus remains on advancing the substantive agenda agreed upon by both sides.”

India Confident of Continued Progress in Bilateral Ties

Despite Trump’s tariff announcement, New Delhi expressed confidence that the broader trajectory of India-US ties would remain positive.

“We are confident our relationship with the United States will continue to move forward,” Jaiswal noted.

The MEA also emphasized that India’s foreign partnerships—including its ties with Russia—should not be interpreted through the lens of third-party relations.

“All our bilateral relationships stand on their own merit and should not be viewed through the prism of any other country,” he added.

Russia Ties Based on National Interests

Reacting to Trump’s criticism of India’s continued purchase of Russian oil and military hardware, the MEA defended its long-standing strategic partnership with Moscow.

“India’s defence sourcing is guided purely by national security imperatives and strategic considerations,” Jaiswal stated. “Similarly, our energy decisions are based on market dynamics and prevailing global circumstances.”

Trade Talks Still on Track

While India is assessing the impact of the new tariffs, the government reiterated its commitment to a fair and balanced trade relationship with the US.

“India and the United States have been in discussions over a mutually beneficial trade agreement. We remain committed to that goal,” the MEA noted.

India also said it would take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests in response to the tariff move.

As geopolitical complexities evolve, India continues to assert its independent foreign policy while seeking to strengthen its partnerships with both Western and traditional allies.