WASHINGTON– India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, met with several U.S. lawmakers this week to discuss bilateral ties, trade cooperation, and the expanding energy partnership between the two countries.
Kwatra met Congressman Rudy Yakym and expressed appreciation for his continued support of the India-U.S. relationship.
“Had a productive conversation with Representative Rudy Yakym on India-U.S. bilateral ties. Exchanged notes on our trade cooperation and the growing energy partnership with the U.S., which is integral for India’s energy security. Appreciated his support for the relationship,” Kwatra posted on X following their talks Friday.
The meeting with Yakym followed a series of engagements by the Indian envoy with members of both the Democratic and Republican parties.
On Thursday, Kwatra met Congressman Blake Moore, Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference and the House Republican Steering Committee.
“Exchanged perspectives on U.S.-India bilateral trade and India’s energy trade imperatives with Congressman Blake Moore, Vice Chair of House Republican Conference and Conference Vice Chair of the House Republican Steering Committee. Thanked him for his steadfast support to the relationship,” Kwatra wrote on X after their discussion.
He also held talks with Congressman Mike Kelly, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Taxation, focusing on trade and economic ties.
“Had a detailed discussion with Representative Mike Kelly, Chairman Subcommittee on Taxation on India-U.S. bilateral relationship, including on our close trade and economic ties. Thanked him for his strong support to the relationship. Highlighted India’s growing hydrocarbon purchases from the U.S. as a key aspect of India’s energy security needs,” Kwatra said.
In a separate meeting, Kwatra briefed Representative Carol Miller, Chair of the Congressional Energy Export Caucus, on India’s trade and energy priorities.
“Took the opportunity to brief Representative Carol Miller, Chair of the Congressional Energy Export Caucus on India’s energy security and trade perspectives, especially India’s hydrocarbon trade with the U.S. Highlighted India’s steadfast support to all efforts including Alaska Summit for resolution of conflict in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy,” Kwatra wrote.
On Wednesday, Kwatra met Representative Gregory Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. In a post, the House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats quoted Meeks as underscoring “Congress’ support for the U.S.-India partnership, which has deepened over the past 25 years, including through the Quad.”
Meeks also criticized “Trump’s arbitrary tariffs that threaten this vital relationship” while reaffirming his “commitment to deeper ties.”
Kwatra said he briefed Meeks on “recent developments in the bilateral relationship” and discussed “trade, energy, Indo-Pacific, and broader issues of mutual interest.”
The diplomatic outreach comes as India continues to push back against steep U.S. tariffs. On August 27, President Trump imposed 50 percent duties on Indian imports, doubling an earlier 25 percent levy, in response to India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil amid the Ukraine conflict. India’s Ministry of External Affairs denounced the move as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” stressing that the country’s energy needs and strategic autonomy must be respected. (Source: IANS)
