COMMERCE SECRETARY HOWARD LUTNICK'S STATEMENT: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that India's decisions, such as purchasing military equipment from Russia, cause discomfort to the United States. However, negotiations regarding a trade agreement between India and the United States are progressing. India seeks exemption from additional tariffs imposed by the U.S., while the U.S. hopes for greater cooperation in defense deals.
U.S. Response to India's Decisions
At a summit of the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum held in Washington, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick responded to some of India's decisions. He stated that India's purchase of military equipment from Russia has been a concern for the United States. According to him, "If you're going to buy your weapons from Russia, that's a way to upset the United States."
Lutnick also mentioned that India is now moving towards purchasing defense equipment from the U.S., which will boost mutual cooperation. He emphasized that the U.S. wants India to maintain transparency in its defense decisions and strengthen its strategic partnership with the U.S.
Concerns over Defense Deals with Russia
The U.S. does not want its partner countries to procure weapons from Russia, but India has purchased S-400 systems from Russia. This is considered a difficult decision from the U.S. perspective. However, India's foreign policy has been based on "strategic autonomy," where it makes decisions according to its national security interests.
Howard Lutnick stated that India's active participation in forums like BRICS and its military deals with Russia could affect U.S.-India relations. However, he also acknowledged that these issues can be resolved through dialogue between the two countries.
Ongoing Negotiations on Trade Agreement
Negotiations for a trade agreement between India and the United States have been ongoing for a long time. Trade relations between the two countries strained after the new tariff policy initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The Trump administration imposed unilateral tariffs on several countries, creating uncertainty in global trade.
India demands a complete exemption from the additional 26 percent tariff imposed by the U.S. India argues that this will give a new dimension to trade between the two countries and strengthen bilateral economic relations.
Trump once claimed that India had offered a tariff-free trade agreement to the U.S., which India later rejected. However, both sides now agree that a solution can be found through transparent negotiations.
