New Delhi, June 4 -- 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." 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. "Being a part of Brics-which is, oh, let's move to not support the dollar and dollar hegemony-that's not really the way to make friends and influence people in America," he said. Despite these concerns, Lutnick suggested that India is moving in the right direction. "I think India is starting to move towards buying military equipment from the United States, which then goes a long way," he said, adding that President Donald Trump has raised these issues directly with the Indian government. "The president calls that out directly and specifically, and the Indian government is addressing it specifically. And that's how you move on to a really positive place. Put it on the table, address it straight on, resolve it straight on and get to a really good place. And I think that's where we are," Lutnick said. The comments come as negotiations for the India-US trade deal are expected to lead to an "early harvest deal" - or a preliminary announcement - this month. Lutnick outlined some contours of a potential agreement, with America seeking "reasonable" access to the Indian market and a reduction of the trade deficit, while India seeks special access in certain key markets....