WASHINGTON– India’s Ambassador to the United States Vinay Kwatra held talks Monday with U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, describing the meeting as “productive” and focused on advancing the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
Kwatra shared a photo of the meeting on X, writing that the discussions “echoed the sentiments of our leaders” and underscored bilateral cooperation through ongoing initiatives, including the Quad.
The engagement comes shortly after President Donald Trump sought to cool concerns over frictions in the relationship, telling reporters at the White House last week, “I’ll always be friends” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he called “a great Prime Minister.” Trump added that “India and the United States have a special relationship. There’s nothing to worry about.” Modi responded the next day, saying he “deeply appreciate[s] and fully reciprocate[s]” Trump’s sentiments.
Kwatra has been active on Capitol Hill in recent weeks, meeting with Congressional leaders from both parties to reinforce bipartisan support for closer ties. On September 3, he met with Rep. Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, to discuss trade, energy, and Indo-Pacific issues. Meeks later affirmed “Congress’ support for the U.S.-India partnership, which has deepened over the past 25 years, including through the Quad.”
The ambassador’s outreach comes as India faces headwinds from Washington’s tariff policy. On August 27, President Trump doubled duties on Indian imports to 50 percent, citing India’s continued purchases of discounted Russian oil despite the Ukraine conflict.
Despite the trade dispute, officials on both sides have emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in one of the world’s most consequential bilateral partnerships. (Source: IANS)
