India Reaffirms US Ties Amid Trump’s Tariff Remarks

New Delhi

India on Friday downplayed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s harsh criticism, reaffirming the strength of the India-U.S. partnership despite recent tensions. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that the relationship has “weathered many transitions and challenges” and remains rooted in shared democratic values and mutual interests.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, responding to Trump’s imposition of a 25% tariff on Indian goods and his description of India’s economy as “dead,” reiterated India's commitment to deepening ties. “We remain confident that the relationship will continue to progress,” he stated.

India also defended its purchase of oil from Russia, stressing that its energy decisions are based on global conditions and market realities. “Our ties with any country stand on their own merit and should not be seen through the prism of a third country,” Jaiswal noted, adding that the India-Russia partnership is “steady and time-tested.”

When asked about the U.S. criticism of India's military and energy engagements with Russia, Jaiswal avoided direct comment but affirmed that India’s decisions are based on national interest.

Despite the friction, India underlined the robust nature of its defence cooperation with the U.S. “Our defence partnership has significantly strengthened over the years,” Jaiswal said, citing major pacts like LEMOA, COMCASA, and BECA that enable deeper military collaboration and technology sharing.

He also referred to the India-US COMPACT framework, launched during Modi-Trump talks in 2020, which aims to catalyse military, trade, and technology partnerships between the two countries.

While Trump’s comments signal a strain, India’s response has been measured, focusing on long-term bilateral cooperation and shared strategic goals.