India engaged in trade talks with US; clarifies stance on oil imports, China trade, Chabahar Port

India on Thursday said it continues to engage closely with the United States to finalise a long-pending trade deal, while outlining its positions on oil imports, sanctions, regional partnerships, and new trade authorisations with China.

During the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that discussions with the US on the trade pact are ongoing. “We continue to remain engaged with the US side to conclude a trade deal, and these discussions are continuing. For further updates, I would refer you to the Ministry of Commerce,” he said.

Oil imports and energy security

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On India’s oil import policy, Jaiswal emphasised that the country’s decisions are “guided by the dynamics of the international market” and aimed at ensuring affordable energy for its citizens. “The Government of India continues to prioritise national interest while securing energy imports,” he added.

Responding to questions about the recent US sanctions on Russian oil companies, Jaiswal said New Delhi is carefully assessing the situation. “We are studying the implications of the recent US sanctions on Russian oil companies. Our decisions naturally take into account the evolving dynamics of the global market. India’s position on the larger issue of energy sourcing is well known. In this endeavour, we are guided by the imperative to secure affordable energy from diverse sources to meet the energy security needs of our 1.4 billion people,” he stated.

Also Read: India-US trade negotiations 'positive and forward-looking', progress made: MEA

Chabahar Port exemption

The MEA confirmed that India has received a six-month exemption from American sanctions for the operation of Chabahar Port in Iran—a crucial link for India’s trade and connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia. “We have been granted exemption for a six-month period on American sanctions that were applicable on the port,” Jaiswal said.

Imports from China

On reports of rare earth imports, Jaiswal said that “some Indian companies have received licences for importing rare earth minerals from China.” He added that such decisions are made keeping industrial requirements and strategic considerations in mind, while also noting that “we have to look at how the US and China talks will play into our domain.”

Afghanistan and regional stability

Speaking about India’s development cooperation with Afghanistan, Jaiswal reiterated that India “stands ready to support Afghanistan in its sustainable water management efforts, including hydroelectric projects,” referencing the proposed Kunar Dam initiative. “As emphasised in the recently adopted India–Afghanistan Joint Statement, there is a long history of cooperation in this area, including the construction of the Salma Dam in Herat province,” he said.

On Pakistan’s criticism of Kabul, Jaiswal was blunt: “Pakistan is infuriated with Afghanistan exercising sovereignty over its own territories. Pakistan seems to think that it has the right to practice cross-border terrorism with impunity. Its neighbours find it unacceptable. India remains fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan.”

Also Read: World aware of nexus between terrorists, Pakistani State and military: MEA

India–Japan ties and quad cooperation

Responding to questions about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s conversation with Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Jaiswal said the leaders discussed strengthening the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. “The Prime Minister had a conversation with the new PM of Japan and congratulated her on assuming office. Both leaders discussed India–Japan bilateral ties, which is an important partnership for us; it is multifaceted,” he said.

He also confirmed that the Quad—comprising the US, Australia, Japan, and India — remains “a valuable forum for discussion of shared interests across a number of areas among the four partners.” The next Quad summit is scheduled to be hosted by India, he added.

PM Modi posted on X: “Had a warm conversation with Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan. Congratulated her on assuming office and discussed our shared vision for advancing the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with focus on economic security, defence cooperation and talent mobility. We agreed that stronger India–Japan ties are vital for global peace, stability and prosperity.”

Responding to PM Modi’s message, Prime Minister Takaichi said on X that she looks forward to deepening cooperation with India. “I look forward to working with Your Excellency to further promote the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership,” she wrote. Earlier, Takaichi had said her government would deepen multilateral dialogue with India and other Indo-Pacific partners like South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia to advance a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Jaiswal also shared updated figures on Indian nationals deported from abroad. “Since January this year, we have had over 2,790 Indian nationals who did not meet the criteria and were illegally staying in the US, they were verified for nationality and have since returned. From the UK side, around 100 Indian nationals have been deported this year after due verification,” he said.