US Sec of State Rubio calls India, US friendship ‘bedrock of cooperation’
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday said that the friendship between India and the US is the “bedrock of cooperation.”
He added that it “propels us forward as we realize the tremendous potential of our economic relationship.”
US embassy in New Delhi in a post on X said, “The partnership between the United States and India continues to reach new heights a defining relationship of the 21st century. This month, we’re spotlighting the people, progress, and possibilities driving us forward.”
India-US Relation, US President Donald Trump, Trump Tariff, US Embassy in India Amid the ongoing tariff tensions between New Delhi and Washington, the US Embassy in India called India-US ties as a “defining relationship of the 21st century”, stated that partnership between both the nations continues to reach new heights.
“From innovation and entrepreneurship to defense and bilateral ties, it’s the enduring friendship between our two peoples that fuels this journey. Follow the hashtag and be a part of #USIndiaFWDforOurPeople.”
Rubio said “The enduring friendship between our two peoples is the bedrock of our cooperation and propels us forward as we realise the tremendous potential of our economic relationship,”.
The comments came after the hiccups between India and the US on the issue of ‘Trumpian tariffs’.
The 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods imposed by the Donald Trump administration came into force on August 27, following a notice by the US Customs and Border Protection.
India and the US have been negotiating for an interim trade deal. Still, there are reservations from the Indian side on the US demand for opening up the agricultural and dairy sectors.
Agriculture and dairy are critical for India as these two sectors provide livelihood opportunities to a large section of people.
India and the US initiated talks for a just, balanced, and mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement in March this year, aimed to complete the first stage of the agreement by October-November 2025.
The remarks come at a time when tensions between India and the US are rising over President Donald Trump’s steep tariffs.
Trump imposed the tariffs as a penalty for India’s continued purchase of Russian oil which he claims indirectly supports Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.
He has often called India a “tariff king” while pointing to the trade deficit, is also believed to have imposed the tariffs because trade talks between the two countries have stalled.
India had refused to give US companies greater access to its agriculture and dairy sectors, which are crucial for the livelihoods of millions of Indians.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured that his government will protect small entrepreneurs, farmers, and livestock rearers.
During the recent Monsoon Session of Parliament, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal informed both Houses that the government is assessing the impact of the tariffs and will take all necessary steps to safeguard national interests.
India and the US had started discussions in March this year for a fair and balanced Bilateral Trade Agreement with the aim of completing the first stage by October–November 2025.
