Trade war: ‘India’s ties with US have weathered many transitions,’ says MEA

NEW DELHI: Even as the India-US relationship comes under strain because of President Donald Trump’s trade weaponisation, the Indian govt reposed hope in bilateral ties, with the ministry of external affairs (MEA) saying on Friday that the partnership has weathered several transitions and challenges, and that India is confident the relationship will continue to move forward.“This partnership has weathered several transitions and challenges. 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,” MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said. At the same time, the govt underlined the significance of the relationship with Russia calling it steady and time-tested.

MEA: India and Russia have time-tested tiesTrump announced 25% tariffs on imports from India this week and also threatened to impose a penalty for India’s oil and defence procurement from Russia.On crude imports from Russia, govt reiterated India’s position that it’s guided by what is on offer in the markets, and by the prevailing global circumstances, in securing its energy needs.On defence procurements, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said sourcing of India’s defence requirements is determined solely by its national security imperatives and strategic assessments.Despite repeated provocations by Trump, India has so far avoided getting into a slanging match with Americans, focusing instead on ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade deal that it hopes will alleviate some of the President’s concerns about US’ lopsided trade with India.Asked about Trump tariffs and its implications for the relationship, the official said India and the United States share a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values and robust people-to-people ties.On defence cooperation, Jaiswal said India has a strong defence partnership with the US that has been strengthening over the past several years. There is potential for this partnership to grow further under the India-US COMPACT for the 21st century. In Feb this year, Trump and PM Modi launched a new initiative — the “US-India COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century” — to drive “transformative change” across key pillars of cooperation.Asked about ties with Russia, the official said India’s bilateral relationships with various countries stand on their own merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country. “India and Russia have a steady and time-tested partnership,” added the official.