India's Russia ties irk US, but deal on track

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Tuesday that India's purchase of Russian arms and closer Brics partnership have "rubbed the United States the wrong way," even as he expressed optimism about concluding a bilateral trade agreement in the "not too distant future."

- Shashank Mattoo

NEW DELHI:

Speaking at an event hosted by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum in Washington, Lutnick outlined key irritants in the relationship while suggesting that India is addressing American concerns as both countries work toward finalising their Bilateral Trade Agreement.

"There were certain things that the Indian government did that generally rubbed the United States the wrong way. For instance, you generally buy your military gear from Russia. That's a way to kind of get under the skin of America if you're going to buy your armaments from Russia," Lutnick said.

He also criticised India's participation in Brics, the economic grouping that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.