The North News
New Delhi, August 1
India has reaffirmed its strategic ties with both the United States and Russia, asserting that its bilateral relationships stand on their own merit and should not be interpreted through the lens of third-party geopolitics. Responding to recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump and a Reuters report suggesting that Indian state-run oil companies are halting imports from Russia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday underscored New Delhi’s independent and balanced foreign policy.
“India and the United States share a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters during a weekly 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.”
The remarks came amid speculation about the future direction of Indo-US ties following Trump’s criticism of India’s continued engagement with Russia. Without referring to Trump directly, the MEA made it clear that India’s foreign policy will not be dictated by external commentary.
“Our bilateral relationships with various countries stand on their own merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country,” Jaiswal said when asked about India-Russia ties. “India and Russia have a steady and time-tested partnership.”
On the issue of energy imports, the MEA declined to confirm reports that Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are reducing or halting crude oil purchases from Russia. “In securing our energy needs, we are guided by what is on offer in the markets and by the prevailing global circumstances,” Jaiswal said, adding, “We are not aware of the specifics” regarding the report.
