MEA says India-US ties 'weathered several challenges', highlights strong defence partnership amid Trump tariffs

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal

The ministry of external affairs on Thursday said that India and US has weathered several transitions and challenges, reaffirming that the two countries share a comprehensive global strategic partnership.

In his weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that despite challenges, both sides remain focused on the substantive agenda. The remarks come as India navigates steep tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump over trade barriers and New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil.

"The United States and India 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, as we had said earlier, and we remain focused on the substantive agenda that the two countries have committed to, and we hope that the relationship will continue to move forward based on mutual respect and shared interests," Jaiswal said, reiterating his earlier remarks.

He also signalled that the security partnership between India and US remains intact, with both sides expected to conduct joint military exercise 'Yudh Abhyas' later this month in Alaska.

"The India-US defence partnership, underpinned by foundational defence agreements, is an important pillar of the bilateral partnership. This robust cooperation has strengthened across all domains. We are expecting a US Defence Policy Team to be in Delhi in mid-August," he said.

"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 this month."

He added that the defence procurement process with US is progressing as per established procedures.

Earlier this month, Jaiswal said that India-US ties have withstood many challenges over the years and expressed confidence that the bilateral relationship remains on a positive trajectory. The remarks had come just two days after Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on Indian goods. The tariffs has since been raised to 50%.