India-US ties enjoy bipartisan backing in Washington: MEA

India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underscored the robustness of bilateral ties with the United States, emphasizing that the partnership commands support across party lines in Washington. The remarks reflect New Delhi's confidence in the durability of India-US relations amid shifting political dynamics in the American capital.

Jaiswal defended India's practice of engaging US-based lobbying and advocacy firms, characterizing such engagement as a standard diplomatic practice. The ministry's statement indicated that New Delhi views such professional outreach as a legitimate tool for advancing national interests in Washington and ensuring effective communication with American policymakers and legislators.

Addressing criticism from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Jaiswal dismissed the watchdog's concerns about religious freedoms in India as politically motivated rather than based on objective assessment. USCIRF, an independent federal body, has periodically raised concerns about minority rights and religious freedom in India, assessments that New Delhi has consistently contested.

The ministry's comments reflect India's broader strategy to strengthen its strategic partnership with the United States while managing diplomatic messaging on domestic governance issues. India has increasingly invested in building relationships across the US political spectrum to ensure sustained support for bilateral cooperation on security, trade, and technology matters.