US Commerce Secretary: India Addressing Concerns On Russia, Dollar Will Help Ties

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said that India’s growing willingness to purchase military equipment from the United States and reduce its reliance on traditional suppliers like Russia marks a positive shift in bilateral relations.

“Buying military gear from Russia is one way to get under America’s skin,” Lutnick said at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit 2025 on June 2. “But India is moving toward buying from the U.S., and that goes a long way. The government is putting these issues on the table, addressing them directly, and that’s how you build real partnerships.” He also criticized India’s participation in BRICS’ efforts to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, calling it “not really the way to make friends and influence people in America.”

Still, he emphasized that President Trump’s stance is not one of exclusion. “The President thinks America first, but not America only. He wants to take care of his allies — and that includes India, a country he deeply respects.”

On the economic front, Lutnick expressed optimism about a forthcoming trade agreement between the two nations. “I expect a deal in the not-so-distant future,” he said, noting that both countries have found common ground. He added that early negotiators tend to secure better terms. “India is trying hard to be one of the earlier countries, and I appreciate that.”

While acknowledging President Trump’s blunt rhetoric about India’s high tariffs — some reportedly at 100% — Lutnick said the U.S. approach was to confront these issues constructively. “The idea is to look at those tariffs, question them, and bring them down to levels that make sense. It’s on the table, and it’s not stressful.”

Lutnick also spoke warmly about his personal connection to India, crediting longtime friend and Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora for deepening his understanding of the country.

The event also saw the presentation of the 2025 Global Leadership Awards to three influential figures who have strengthened the U.S.-India-Japan economic corridor:

• Arvind Krishna, Chairman, President & CEO of IBM
• Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group
• Toshiaki Higashihara, Executive Chairman of Hitachi

These leaders were recognized for their pivotal roles in fostering cross-border innovation, investment, and strategic cooperation between the three nations.