In a strong and measured response to escalating trade tensions with the United States, the Indian government reiterated its unwavering commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the Country, despite recent punitive actions and critical remarks by President Donald Trump.
Addressing a weekly media briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India remains deeply invested in pursuing the “substantive agenda” agreed upon with the US, even as New Delhi faces a steep 25% reciprocal tariff that comes into effect on August 7, along with a potential additional penalty for continuing energy and defence imports from Russia.
Jaiswal underlined the maturity and resilience of India-US relations, noting that the partnership is rooted in shared democratic ideals, mutual interests, and robust people-to-people ties.
“Our strategic relationship with the United States has successfully weathered several political transitions and external challenges over the years. We remain confident that this engagement will only strengthen in the time to come,” he said.
Responding to questions about India’s ongoing defence and energy cooperation with Moscow, Jaiswal made it unequivocally clear that India’s procurement decisions are guided solely by its own national security requirements and strategic evaluations.
“Our defence choices are sovereign decisions based on India’s assessments. The longstanding India-Russia relationship is a steady, reliable, and time-tested partnership that continues to serve our interests,” he asserted.
Highlighting progress in defence collaboration with the United States, Jaiswal referenced the India-US COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology)—a key initiative finalised during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in February.
He stated, “There exists considerable untapped potential in our defence relationship under COMPACT, and both sides are keen to expand it further.”
Sources familiar with India’s diplomatic posture noted that New Delhi is drawing a careful distinction between President Trump’s rhetoric and the broader institutional framework of India-US ties.
“This relationship is multidimensional—beyond trade. It encompasses defence, advanced technology, education, mobility of skilled professionals, and a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific,” one source said on condition of anonymity.
Referring to past diplomatic turbulence, including the fallout following India’s nuclear tests in 1998, officials said India has weathered far more serious crises and remains focused on long-term bilateral cooperation rather than being distracted by transient provocations.
The controversy follows a series of combative social media posts by President Trump, who accused India of maintaining some of the “world’s highest” tariffs and engaging in what he called “obnoxious” trade practices.
He also criticised India’s continuing purchases of Russian oil and military hardware, declaring, “I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care.”
Adding to the controversy, Trump recently floated a plan for Pakistan to sell energy to India after the development of its reserves with US support. He also controversially claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following the military escalation that ensued after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Indian officials have firmly denied any foreign role in the de-escalation, reiterating that such operations are exclusively handled through internal strategic decisions.
Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal assured Parliament that India would take “all necessary measures” to safeguard national interests in response to the tariff hikes.
He said the government is consulting with all stakeholders, including exporters, MSMEs, and trade bodies, to evaluate the economic impact of the US move.
In its official statement, the commerce ministry reaffirmed that India remains committed to negotiating a “fair, balanced and mutually beneficial” trade deal with Washington. At the same time, it emphasised that the government will take all necessary steps to protect domestic industries, farmers, and entrepreneurs.
India’s increasing energy ties with Russia have been particularly prominent since the onset of Western sanctions against Moscow following the Ukraine conflict.
Taking advantage of discounted crude, India significantly scaled up imports of Russian oil and fertilisers, eventually surpassing Iraq and Saudi Arabia to become the largest buyer of Russian crude—a move in line with India’s economic interests as the world’s third-largest oil importer.
Jaiswal concluded by stating that India’s relationships with global partners “stand on their merit and should not be viewed through the lens of another country’s expectations.”
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