WASHINGTON– India’s Ambassador to the United States Vinay Kwatra met with U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty this week to discuss ways to deepen cooperation between the two countries, including progress on a potential trade deal, expanded hydrocarbons trade, and collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.
“It was an honor to welcome and host Senator Hagerty and Madam Hagerty at our residence,” Kwatra said in a post on X. “Deeply appreciate and value the Senator’s strong support for India–U.S. ties. We discussed various facets of our bilateral partnership, including continuing ongoing talks on a mutually beneficial trade deal, increasing bilateral hydrocarbons trade, and working together to address shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Earlier in the week, Ambassador Kwatra and his wife attended a Diwali celebration at the White House hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump. The event drew notable attendees including newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, along with several leading business figures from the Indian-American community.
“Deeply honored to join President Donald J. Trump at the White House today to celebrate Diwali,” Kwatra wrote on X. “Wished him on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi a Happy Diwali and thanked him for this beautiful gesture. Warm Diwali greetings to all celebrating, especially the vibrant 5 million-strong Indian diaspora in the U.S.”
During the ceremony, Trump lit a diya in the Oval Office, describing it as “a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness.” He praised Prime Minister Modi as “a great person” and said he had recently spoken with him about ongoing trade talks.
“I just spoke to your Prime Minister today,” Trump told reporters. “We had a great conversation. We talked about trade. We talked about a lot of things, but mostly the world of trade. He’s very interested in that.”
The former president also noted that India had significantly reduced oil imports from Russia, saying Modi “wants to see that war end” and that “they’re continuing to cut it way back.” (Source: IANS)
