India remains focused on substantive agenda with US amid tensions: MEA

Amid tensed-up India-US ties, India on Thursday said it remained focused on the substantive agenda that the two countries have committed to. Also, two India-US defence-related exchanges are planned this month, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday while answering questions on the frayed ties between the two countries after the US imposed tariffs on India.

Jaiswal, addressing a media briefing, described the India-US ties saying “this partnership has weathered several transitions and challenges”. “We remain focused on the substantive agenda that our two countries have committed to and we hope that the relationship will continue to move forward based on mutual respect and shared interests,” Jaiswal added.

He revealed that the militaries of the two countries will be doing a joint military exercise in Alaska this month while New Delhi will be hosting the US defence policy group. The MEA spokesperson added, “We are expecting a US Defence Policy Team to be in Delhi. The 21st edition of the joint military exercise – Yudh Abhyas is also expected to take place later this month in Alaska.”

Both sides remain engaged to convene the 2+2 Intersessional meeting at the working-level towards the end of the month, Jaiswal added.

The 2+2 format is the joint meeting of Foreign and Defence Ministers of both sides. The inter-sessional meeting is of officials. The India-US defence partnership, underpinned by foundational defence agreements, is an important pillar of the bilateral partnership, said Jaiswal.

India and the US share a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties, Jaiswal said.