New Delhi, Aug 14 (UNI) India today said that its defence procurement process with the US is on track, and also announced that a US Defence Policy team is expected here later this month.
Days after US President Donald Trump announced the slapping of additional tariffs over New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also reiterated India’s position on the India-US ties.
To a question on the India-US defence partnership, the spokesperson said that the two sides would hold the 21st edition of the joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas later this month, in Alaska.
Jaiswal said: “The India and US defence partnership, underpinned by foundational defence agreements, is an important pillar of the bilateral partnership. This robust cooperation has strengthened across several ways. “We are expecting a US Defence Policy team to be here in mid-August.
“The 21st edition of the joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas is also expected to take place, later this month, in Alaska.
“Both sides remain engaged to convene the 2+2 intercessional meeting at the working level towards the end of this month.
“As far as the question of defence acquisition is concerned, the procurement processes continue as per established procedures,” he added.
On the bilateral ties, following the slapping of additional tariffs, he said: “India and the US share a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values and robust people to people ties.
“This partnership has weathered several transitions and challenges, as we have said earlier as well. We remain focused on the substantive agenda that the two countries have committed to, and we hope that the relationship will continue to move forward based on mutual respect and shared interests.”
This is a reiteration of the August 1 statement by the MEA on the India-US ties. The statement comes days after US President Donald Trump announced the slapping of an additional 25 percent tariff on India over New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil, taking the total to 50 percent, and also berating India as a “dead economy”.
