India strikes balance, says US ties to ‘move forward’, Russia relationship ‘time-tested’

India on Friday sought to strike a balance in its ties with the US and Russia, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) describing its relationship with Washington as one that would “continue to move forward despite challenges”, while reaffirming its “time-tested” partnership with Moscow.

Responding to a series of questions on the 25 per cent tariffs imposed on Indian goods by US President Donald Trump, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The India-US ties have weathered several transitions and challenges. We are confident the relationship will continue to move forward.”

At a media briefing here, Jaiswal rejected the suggestions of a strain in the India-Russia relationship following Trump’s threats, saying the ties were “time-tested and should not be seen through the prism of a third country”. The MEA statement made it clear that the penalties imposed by the US would not be a hurdle in maintaining ties with Moscow. Angered over India not finalising a trade deal with the US, Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, which would kick in from August 7. The US President also said penalties would be imposed for buying weapons and oil from Russia. “They (India) have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of energy… India will, therefore, be paying a tariff of 25 per cent, plus a penalty,” said Trump.

Jaiswal downplayed the tariff threat saying, “We remain focused on the substantive agenda that the two countries have committed themselves to.” He said India and the US shared a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values and robust people-to-people ties.

On the India-Russia ties and Trump’s outburst, the MEA said, “Our bilateral relationships with various countries stand on their own merit…. India and Russia have a steady and time-tested partnership… sourcing of energy and defence needs are as per our requirement.”

On buying weapons from Russia, Jaiswal said sourcing of “defence requirements was determined solely by India’s national security imperatives and strategic assessments”.

Asked specifically about the India-US defence ties, the MEA spokesperson said, “We have a strong defence partnership with the US, which has been strengthening over the last several years.”

Jaiswal said there was a potential for this partnership to grow further under the India-US ‘COMPACT’ arrangement for the 21st century. COMPACT stands for “catalysing opportunities for military partnership, accelerated commerce and technology” and was announced in February this year following a meeting Trump had with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.