India-US Trade Relations Anchored in Shared Interests, MEA
India-US Trade Relations Remain Strong Despite Tariffs, Says MEA
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday reaffirmed that India-US trade relations continue to remain engaged and forward-looking, despite a wave of tariffs and political rhetoric from Washington. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the bilateral partnership is grounded in shared interests, democratic values, and strong people-to-people ties that have withstood challenges over the years.
Addressing reporters at the weekly press briefing, Jaiswal said, “We continue to remain engaged with the US side on trade issues. The relationship has weathered several transitions and challenges, and we remain focused on our substantive agenda based on mutual respect and shared interests.”
India-US Trade Relations: Trade Tensions Amid Tariffs
The United States recently imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods—a 25 percent general tariff combined with a 25 percent penalty linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil. The move has raised concerns among exporters and policymakers in New Delhi.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, however, urged calm, stating that negotiations were progressing toward a balanced and fair Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). “There is no need to panic. Negotiations take time, but I am confident we will arrive at an equitable solution,” Goyal said in an interview.
Trump’s Remarks and MEA Response
The situation gained further attention after US President Donald Trump posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!”
Jaiswal declined to respond directly, saying, “I have no comments to offer on this post at this time.” However, he strongly rejected recent remarks by White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro, labeling them as “inaccurate and misleading.”
The MEA highlighted that India’s foreign relations are independent and should not be viewed through the prism of third countries.
India-US Trade Relations: The Quad and Strategic Engagement
On the question of the next Quad Summit, Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s commitment to the forum, which includes the US, Japan, and Australia. “We see the Quad as a valuable forum for discussion on shared interests. The leaders’ summit is being finalized through diplomatic consultations,” he said.
India and the US also continue to deepen their defense ties, demonstrated by a joint military exercise in Alaska and the recent 2+2 inter-sessional meeting.
India’s Stand on Russia Trade
The MEA underscored the double standards in US criticism of India’s Russia imports. It pointed out that the European Union and the US themselves maintain significant trade with Moscow, ranging from LNG and fertilizers to palladium and uranium for strategic industries.
“Targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard our national interests and economic security,” the ministry said in a statement.
On the Ukraine Conflict
When asked about the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Jaiswal reiterated India’s consistent stance: “We welcome all recent efforts toward establishing peace. India supports an early end to the conflict and the establishment of enduring peace.”
Also Read : Revathy Ramakrishna: Championing Accessibility for the Blind