India's Russia arms buy rubbed US the wrong way, says Lutnick

Trade pact to be ready soon: US commerce secy

- RAVI DUTTA MISHRA

INDIA'S MILITARY PURCHASES from Russia and its alignment with BRICS on reducing dependence on the dollar had "rubbed the US the wrong way", US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick has said, adding that India addressed these concerns and both countries have "found a place that really works for both" as far as a trade deal is concerned.

Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) in Washington DC, Lutnick said, "There were certain things that the Indian government did that generally rubbed the United States the wrong way. For instance, they generally buy military gear from Russia. That's a way to kind of get under the skin of America, if you go to buy your armaments from Russia. India is starting to move towards buying military equipment from the United States."