US-India relations are "strong" despite recent "turbulence," and continued talks designed to overcome differences on trade and Russian oil buys have been characterized as "incredibly productive," a senior State Department official told reporters Wednesday (local time).
"We have differences, and it's been clear," the official said on Wednesday (local time).
"Over the last few weeks, we've been working through some differences, particularly when it comes to trade and the purchase of Russian oil." "Those conversations have been incredibly productive," the official said.cial said.
The nomination of Sergio Gor, whom the official called "one of the closest individuals to the President," reflects the significance the administration puts on the bilateral relationship.
Gor, a major player in Trump's presidential campaign, had also run the presidential personnel office, which screens and picks political appointees for the administration. Trump also made him his special envoy to South and Central Asia.
The official explained that Gor's primary function will be as ambassador, based at the State Department, but on call to address any of the 13 countries of the region at Trump's request.
"He will be (working) out of the State Department," the official said.
"So, his first and formal role will be as ambassador in India, focusing on that critical bilateral relationship."
Having a person close to the President "in the region, based out of New Delhi, in order to be able to engage when the President requests him to do so, is going to be hugely beneficial for the entire region," the official concluded.
The briefing, given on condition of anonymity, touched on US interests in the region and enabled the official to speak freely on priority issues.
India will host this year's Quad summit, the Indo-Pacific-oriented group that comprises Australia and Japan. The official anticipates Trump to attend and reported planning for the dates is underway.
"I'm sure we've got a Quad Summit", the official said. "We're working on planning, so at some point that will happen, if not this year, next year".
"So, there's a lot coming up on the US-India relationship, and I think we'll see some continuous positive development," the official said.
The official explained changes in US policy towards India as a function of Trump's blunt approach, observing that his Twitter messages amount to openness rather than policy.
"The President is not shy about when he is frustrated with countries. You'll see it on Truth Social", the official said. "This is one of the most transparent administrations in history, and that's what's so exciting, to be able to know really what the President's thinking".
"We're frank with our friends and see India as a good friend and as a partner, and as really a partner of the future," the official added.
The official positioned the imposition of tariffs on Russian crude and the reimposition of sanctions against Iran's Chabahar Port as actions against enemies, not India per se, even though the nation shares much of the burden.
"The President has returned to a campaign of maximum pressure after the last 40 years of giving Iran everything and not getting anything," the official said. "With that comes a revocation of licenses for every country, not just India, to access Chabahar port."
On India being hit with a 25 per cent retaliatory tariff for purchasing Russian oil, the official played down fears of being singled out, pointing out that China and the European Union are also facing similar pressure.
"The pressure is certainly not different from the continuous pressure the administration is placing elsewhere," the official asserted.
Addressing suggested legislation by 85 US Senators for a 500 per cent tariff on Russian energy purchasers, the official noted, "So 25 per cent doesn't look so bad compared to that."
As for Trump's plan for a $100,000 H1B visa charge annually paid by Indian professionals mostly, the official said that the department has been in close touch with Indian officials and "we have not had any major pushback or concern, and so we'll see how this works".
"Companies and organisations that want to bring highly skilled workers will continue to do so," the official said.
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