US Raises Trade, Oil Concerns but Keeps India in Strategic Core
- US reaffirms India as a key strategic partner despite policy differences.
- Washington voices strong concerns over India’s Russian oil purchases and trade imbalance.
- Officials stress a 'full and frank' dialogue, even as Modi prepares for his first China visit in seven years.
The United States considers India a strategic partner but remains firm in voicing concerns over New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil and its trade imbalance with Washington, a senior State Department official said on Thursday.
Speaking at a press briefing, State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott underscored that President Donald Trump has been 'very clear' in communicating these issues to India and has already taken direct action. “The President has been clear about the concerns he has regarding the trade imbalance, the concerns he has when it comes to the purchase of Russian oil. You have seen him take action directly on that”, Pigott stated.
The comments came in response to questions about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming trip to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit from August 31 to September 1 his first visit to Beijing in seven years.
Pigott emphasized that open communication remains central to the US-India relationship, even when differences arise. “India is a strategic partner with whom we engage in a full and frank dialogue. That will continue”, he said, noting that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also addressed the matter publicly.
Acknowledging that no two countries align perfectly on every issue, Pigott said, “Like anything in foreign policy, you are not going to align 100 percent of the time on everything. But it is very clear the President has been clear about the concerns he has with the trade imbalance and India purchasing Russian oil. He has taken action”.
Responding to questions about whether the US fears India could draw closer to China, Pigott avoided direct speculation but stressed the importance of addressing key concerns as part of a robust diplomatic relationship. “This is about an honest, full and frank dialogue about real concerns… That is what it means to advance American interests and to have full diplomatic dialogue with partners to address concerns that we need to see addressed”, he said.
The remarks signal Washington’s intent to keep engagement with New Delhi candid yet constructive, even as geopolitical currents including Modi’s China visit test the contours of the partnership.
