The US State Department on Thursday stated that “India is a strategic partner” and that the US is engaging with India in “full and frank dialogue,” even as relations between the two countries continue to witness tension amid the tariff dispute.
When asked whether China and other BRICS nations are attempting to take the lead in organizing a pushback against US trade measures, the US State Department stated that the dialogue with India “will continue.”
Responding to reporters during a press briefing, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State, Tommy Pigott, said, “What I can say in terms of India is, the President has been very clear in terms of the concerns he has regarding the trade imbalance, regarding the concerns he has when it comes to the purchase of Russian oil. You have seen him take action directly on that… India is a strategic partner with whom we engage in a full and frank dialogue. That will continue”.
When asked if there were concerns in Washington about “worsening ties” with India and the possibility of New Delhi “moving closer” to China, Pigott stressed the importance of addressing differences through direct engagement.
“This is about an honest, full, and frank dialogue about real concerns that this administration has, that the President has outlined very clearly. Addressing those concerns through his actions, he’s spoken about them, whether it’s about the purchase of Russian oil or about the trade imbalance. Addressing those concerns is important. The President has been very clear. Ultimately, this is about a frank and full dialogue. That’s what it means to advance American interests, that’s what it means to have full diplomatic dialogue with partners to address concerns that we need to see addressed.”
Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump said there will be no trade negotiations with India until a dispute over tariffs is resolved, following his administration’s decision to double tariffs on Indian imports.
When pressed by ANI at the Oval Office, whether he expected talks to resume in light of the new 50% tariff.
“No, not until we get it resolved,” he replied.
The White House on Wednesday issued an Executive Order imposing an additional 25 percentage points in tariffs on Indian goods, raising the total levy to 50%. The administration cited national security and foreign policy concerns, pointing specifically to India’s ongoing imports of Russian oil.
The order claims that these imports, whether direct or via intermediaries, present an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the United States and justify emergency economic measures.
