India Confirms US Defence Talks, Rejects Push for De-dollarisation

India’s Ministry of External Affairs said defence procurement with the United States is proceeding “as per standard procedures” and confirmed that a US defence policy delegation will visit New Delhi in mid-August. A working-level 2+2 inter-sessional dialogue will be held this month, and the two countries are preparing for their 21st joint military exercise in Alaska, underscoring what the ministry called an “important pillar” of the bilateral relationship. Briefing reporters in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also dismissed speculation about a shift away from the dollar, stating that de-dollarisation “is not part of India’s financial agenda.” He added that no decision has yet been taken on whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the United Nations General Assembly later this year. Jaiswal reiterated India’s rejection of the Court of Arbitration’s jurisdiction under the Indus Waters Treaty and criticised recent “war-mongering” comments from Pakistan’s leadership. On the Israel-Palestine conflict, he said India continues to call for a cease-fire, the unconditional release of hostages and sustained humanitarian aid.