US calls India a 'strategic partner,' commits to 'full and frank' talks amid trade and oil tensions

The United States has described India as a "strategic partner" and affirmed that it will maintain a "full and frank dialogue" with New Delhi.

The Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State also noted that President Donald Trump has been very clear about his concerns regarding trade and India’s purchase of Russian oil.

When asked whether Washington was concerned about worsening ties with India or the risk of New Delhi drawing closer to China, Pigott said the US remained committed to addressing differences through direct and ongoing engagement with its strategic partner.

"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," Pigott said.
"But you are not going to align 100 per cent of the time on everything," he further added.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has ruled out any further trade negotiations with the country, driving US-India trade tensions to a new low in over two decades.