New Delhi: A defence policy team from the US will visit India shortly, and scheduled joint military exercises between the two nations will also take place in Alaska, New Delhi announced on Thursday. India expressed hope that bilateral ties can progress based on “mutual respect and shared interests.”At his weekly briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s defence procurement process to acquire certain American defence platforms “is on as per established procedure.” He noted that bilateral defence ties, “underpinned by defence agreements” already in place, have given the relationship a “strong form.” He added that New Delhi remains focused on the bilateral “substantive agenda” between the two countries. On whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to the US next month for the UN General Assembly (UNGA) session, Jaiswal said “no decision has been taken.” The reference to “mutual respect” in New Delhi’s comments is seen as significant, given recent sharp remarks by the US President against India, particularly on trade issues. When asked about the US President’s recent announcement of tariffs amounting to a total of 50 per cent, criticised earlier by New Delhi, the MEA spokesperson said that an official reaction had already been issued. He also clarified that “de-dollarisation” was never part of India’s financial agenda, and reiterated that India-US ties have faced “transitions and challenges” in the past as well. Jaiswal further confirmed that both sides are working to hold the 2+2 (foreign policy and defence) inter-sessional dialogue by the end of this month. Meanwhile, on the occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day on August 14, the US said it “appreciates” its engagement with Pakistan on “counter-terrorism and trade.” Washington expressed interest in economic cooperation with Islamabad in areas including “critical minerals and hydrocarbons,” a statement that comes just days after the US President claimed Pakistan had “massive oil reserves” despite no conclusive global evidence. New Delhi is monitoring developments closely, as the US administration seeks to strengthen ties with Pakistan despite Indian concerns over Islamabad’s sponsorship of cross-border terrorism.
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