The United States called India a strategic partner, asserting that Washington engages in a "full and frank" dialogue with New Delhi. "India is a strategic partner with whom
we engage in a full and frank dialogue. That will continue," said US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott at a press briefing. President Donald Trump has been very clear with New Delhi on his concerns over its purchase of Russian oil and trade imbalance with Washington, the State Department official said. "What I can say in terms of India is that 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," Pigott said.
#WATCH | On the US-India ties, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State, Tommy Pigott says, "...This is about an honest, full and frank dialogue about real concerns that this administration has, that the President has outlined very clearly. Addressing those… pic.twitter.com/olB8Ywa8SU
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2025
Acknowledging that no country can completely align with the other, Pigott said, "Like anything in foreign policy, you are not going to align 100 per cent of the time on everything."
"But it is very clear. The President has been clear (about) the concerns that he has with the trade imbalance, the concerns he has with India purchasing Russian oil. He has taken action," he added.
Pigott was asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's expected visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit later this month and the possibility of worsening India-US ties.
Pigott stressed that this is about an "honest, full and frank dialogue" about real concerns that this administration has, which the President has outlined very clearly and has been addressing through his actions. "Addressing those concerns is important. That is part of what it means to have a frank dialogue," he said.
"Ultimately, this is about a frank and full dialogue, and that is what it means to advance American interests. That is what it means to really have full diplomatic dialogue with partners to address concerns that we need to see addressed," he said.
The US imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on India, raising the total to 50 per cent. After the new levy, India is facing the highest tariff from the US alongside Brazil.
Further, President Donald Trump announced his decision to freeze the trade negotiations with India until the tariff dispute is resolved, as a negotiating team from the US is scheduled to visit New Delhi later this month.
In a strong response, New Delhi called out the Trump administration for singling out India, despite the fact that several countries, including China, Turkey, the European Union, and the US itself, engage in trade with Russia. India said that the actions are "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday categorically stated that India "will not compromise" and "is ready to pay the price for the same." "For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know we will have to pay a heavy price for it. Today, India is ready for the country's farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers..." PM Modi said at an event.
