MEA: Trump’s Tariff Won’t Shake India-US Relations

MEA: In the face of a renewed verbal assault and punitive trade action from U.S. President Donald Trump, India on Thursday projected calm resolve and reaffirmed the enduring strength of India-US relations, underscoring the strategic depth and resilience of the partnership.

President Trump announced the imposition of a 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports, effective August 1, alleging “unfair trade practices,” citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil and defense equipment as a sign of disloyalty. He claimed that India had not done enough to reduce trade barriers or align with U.S. foreign policy expectations.

MEA Defends India-US Relations

But India was quick to respond with clarity and composure.

At the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) weekly press briefing, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the India-US relationship has stood firm through various phases of political shifts and global challenges.

“We have strong defence ties with the US which have been strengthening over the last several years,” Jaiswal said. “There is potential for our defence partnership to grow further. We remain focused on the substantive agenda that both countries have committed to.”

While the tariffs mark a sharp turn in trade policy, the Indian government projected confidence that India-US relations would not be derailed by short-term developments.

“We are confident our relationship with the United States will continue to move forward,” Jaiswal added, reiterating New Delhi’s commitment to a long-term strategic relationship anchored in mutual respect.

In a clear reference to Trump’s criticism over India’s ties with Russia, the MEA cautioned against evaluating bilateral relationships through the lens of other nations.

“Ties with any country… stand on their own merit and shouldn’t be seen through the prism of a third country,” Jaiswal stated, making it clear that India’s global partnerships are based on sovereign decision-making.

When asked directly about India’s continued purchases of Russian oil and military equipment, Jaiswal was unequivocal.

“The sourcing of defence requirement is determined solely by our national security imperatives and strategic assessments. Similarly, the sourcing of our energy needs… we are guided by what is available in the markets and by prevailing global circumstances.”

The MEA also reminded reporters of India’s enduring relationship with Russia, describing it as “steady and time-tested.”

Meanwhile, the government reaffirmed its intention to protect national interests and economic stability.

“India and the US have been engaged in negotiations on concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement over the last few months. We remain committed to that objective,” the official government statement read.

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