India remains confident that its strategic partnership with the United States will continue to grow despite recent geopolitical challenges and leadership changes, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal affirmed that the India-US relationship is rooted in shared democratic values, mutual interests, and strong people-to-people connections.
“India and the United States share a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties,” Jaiswal said during a media briefing. “This partnership has weathered several transitions and challenges. We remain focused on the substantive agenda that our two countries have committed to and are confident that the relationship will continue to move forward.”
On defence cooperation, Jaiswal emphasized that India-US defence ties remain robust and have steadily strengthened in recent years. He said there is potential for further growth under the framework of the India-US COMPACT for the 21st century.
“The sourcing of our defence requirements is determined solely by our national security imperatives and strategic assessments,” he added, in response to reports that India had declined a US offer to procure F-35 fighter jets following new US tariffs on Indian goods.
The comments came amid rising tensions after former President Donald Trump reportedly criticized India’s ties with Russia and imposed a 25 percent tariff citing India’s purchase of Russian oil and weapons. Earlier on Friday, the Indian government told Parliament that it had not held any formal discussions with the US regarding the procurement of F-35 jets.
Addressing questions about India’s relationship with Russia, Jaiswal said New Delhi’s bilateral relations with all countries stand on their own merit and should not be viewed through the lens of a third country. “India’s partnership with Russia has been steady and time-tested,” he noted.
Responding to reports that some Indian companies may have halted Russian oil imports, Jaiswal said the government was unaware of any specific instances. “You are aware of our broad approach to energy sourcing requirements. We look at what is available in the market and the prevailing global situation. We are not aware of any specifics,” he added.
