Washington D.C. – The United States has reaffirmed that India will remain a “strategic partner,” according to a statement from the US State Department’s Principal Deputy Spokesperson, Tommy Pigott. The comments represent a softening of tone even as tensions between the two nations persist over trade imbalances and India’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
Speaking at a press briefing, Pigott acknowledged the ongoing concerns raised by the Trump administration regarding the trade imbalance and India’s energy policy. He stated that the US and India would continue to engage in a “full and frank dialogue” to address these issues.
The statement comes in the wake of escalating friction between Washington and New Delhi, particularly after President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on certain Indian imports and criticized India for purchasing Russian crude oil. The White House had cited national security and foreign policy concerns, with Trade Adviser Peter Navarro even calling the tariff a “national security issue.”
Despite the recent disputes, Pigott stressed that the relationship is built on a strong foundation and that disagreements are a normal part of foreign policy. He said the US approach is to address disagreements directly and that this “honest, full and frank dialogue” is what it means to advance American interests.
The US State Department’s comments were made in response to questions about whether the worsening ties could push India closer to China.
The statement emphasizes that while there may be differences, the US views India as a crucial counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific region. This move by the State Department signals a diplomatic effort to de-escalate the situation and maintain the long-term strategic partnership between the two nations.
