New Delhi – The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday reaffirmed that India and the United States share a comprehensive global strategic partnership, rooted in common interests, democratic values, and strong people-to-people connections. The relationship, the ministry said, has stood the test of time, navigating through multiple transitions and challenges.
Addressing a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said,
“India and the United States share a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties. This partnership has weathered several transitions and challenges. We remain focused on the substantive agenda that both countries have committed to and are confident that the relationship will continue to move forward.”
His remarks came in response to a question regarding the recent announcement by former US President Donald Trump to impose new tariffs on Indian goods.
Earlier this week, Trump declared a 25 per cent reciprocal tariff on Indian imports, effective August 1, along with an additional penalty for India’s continued purchases of Russian energy.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump stated,
“India will be paying a tariff of 25 per cent starting on August 1.”
He added that India would also face penalties for its energy trade with Russia, as part of his broader policy of imposing secondary tariffs — up to 100 per cent — on nations that continue business with Moscow if Russia doesn’t agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Experts initially viewed Trump’s threats as a negotiating tactic, especially given his past optimism about reaching a trade agreement with India. Both Trump and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had recently expressed hope that India would be among the first to finalize a deal.
Despite the growing tensions, Trump emphasized that India remains a friend, but criticized the country’s high tariffs and non-monetary trade barriers.
“While India is our friend, we have over the years done relatively little business with them because their tariffs are far too high — among the highest in the world,” he wrote.
“They also maintain the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country.”
He further criticized India’s defense and energy partnerships with Russia, saying:
“They have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest energy buyer along with China, at a time when the world wants Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine.”
Trump concluded his post with a warning:
“All things not good! India will therefore be paying a tariff of 25%, plus a penalty for the above, starting on August first.”
He signed off with his campaign slogan, “MAGA” (Make America Great Again).
With inputs from IANS