U.S. Commerce Secretary Urges India to Reduce Russian Defense Ties and BRICS Involvement Amid Progress in Bilateral Trade Talks
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed concerns over India’s continued military cooperation with Russia and its active participation in the BRICS economic alliance, even as the two nations make significant strides toward a comprehensive trade agreement.
Speaking at the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum in Washington, Lutnick highlighted that India’s procurement of Russian defense equipment, notably the S-400 missile system, has been a point of contention. He remarked that such actions “rubbed the United States the wrong way,” emphasizing the need for India to diversify its defense partnerships.
Lutnick also addressed India’s role in BRICS, particularly the bloc’s discussions on reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar. He cautioned that moves toward de-dollarization are “not the way to make friends and influence people in America,” urging India to consider the implications of such initiatives on its relationship with the U.S.
Despite these concerns, Lutnick acknowledged positive developments in U.S.-India relations. He noted that India is gradually shifting away from Russian military hardware, increasingly engaging with Western defense suppliers, including the U.S. and France. This transition is seen as a favorable trend that could enhance strategic alignment between the two countries.
On the economic front, Lutnick expressed optimism about finalizing a bilateral trade agreement in the near future. Both nations are working toward a target of $500 billion in trade by 2030, with negotiations progressing rapidly. Key areas of collaboration include semiconductors, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and digital trade.
The personal rapport between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been instrumental in advancing these discussions. Lutnick emphasized that mutual trust and a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region are guiding the two countries through their differences.
As the U.S. and India navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, aligning defense and monetary policies remains crucial for strengthening their strategic and economic partnership. While historical ties with Russia and involvement in multilateral groups like BRICS are acknowledged, the U.S. anticipates a more central role for India in promoting a secure, democratic, and rules-based global order.