US calls India strategic partner, vows full and frank talks despite trade, oil rift
Speaking to reporters in Washington on Thursday, Pigott said the Trump administration was committed to addressing disagreements directly."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. When asked whether Washington was concerned about worsening ties with India or the risk of New Delhi drawing closer to China, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the US remained committed to addressing differences through direct and ongoing engagement with its strategic partner.He pointed to two specific areas of friction -- the trade imbalance and India's purchase of Russian oil."Addressing those concerns is important. The President has been very clear," Pigott said. "Ultimately, this is about a frank and full dialogue. That's what it means to advance American interests."Pigott avoided addressing China and other Brics nations' role in mobilising opposition to US trade measures but reaffirmed that engagement with India will continue.TRUMP RULES OUT INDIA TRADE TALKSEarlier, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump was asked if he expected further talks following his announcement of steep tariffs, to which he replied, "Not until we get it resolved."Trump's remarks follow his earlier warning of new "secondary sanctions" on countries trading with Moscow, after being questioned on why India was being singled out for its ties with Russia while others continue to purchase Russian energy.The US president on Wednesday signed an executive order subjecting Indian imports to an additional 25 per cent trade tariff on India after warning the country over its oil purchases from Russia, taking the total levy to 50 per cent. The new tariffs will take effect on August 27.- EndsWith inputs from agencies Tune InMust Watch
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(UPSC CSE 2022) (a) Asian Development Bank (b) International Monetary Fund (c) United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (d) World Bank (2) 'Global Financial Stability Report' is prepared by the (UPSC CSE 2016) (a) European Central Bank (b) International Monetary Fund (c) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (d) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (Sources: ExplainSpeaking: Key takeaways from IMF's latest World Economic Outlook on India, the US, and the world, Knowledge Nugget: Why IMF, its Bailouts, and Extended Fund Facility (EFF) should be in focus for your UPSC Exam) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Roshni Yadav is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She is an alumna of the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she pursued her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science. She has over five years of work experience in ed-tech and media. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. Her interests lie in national and international affairs, governance, economy, and social issues. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
