Washington D.C. – India's Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, engaged in discussions with a senior US lawmaker on Sunday, focusing on strengthening bilateral trade, energy security, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to finalize a mutually beneficial trade agreement between India and the US.
Ambassador Kwatra met with Jeanne Shaheen, a Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to discuss avenues for enhanced collaboration between the two nations. Their discussion centered around arriving at a mutually advantageous trade arrangement, India's energy security concerns, and increasing the trade of oil and gas between the two countries. They also addressed shared geopolitical challenges in the region.
"Had a productive meeting with @SenatorShaheen, Ranking Member, Senate Foreign Relations Committee @SFRCdems. Our discussions focused on our work to arrive at a mutually beneficial trade arrangement, India's energy security and increasing oil and gas trade with the US, and shared geopolitical challenges in our region,” Kwatra posted on social media.
In addition to trade and energy, Ambassador Kwatra reiterated India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a peaceful resolution through constructive dialogue and diplomacy.
The meeting occurs amidst a backdrop of proposed bilateral trade deals between India and the US, with one official stating that a deal is "very near" to conclusion. Five rounds of talks have already been completed for the initial phase of a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries.
Previously, Ambassador Kwatra has engaged with multiple US lawmakers to discuss similar issues. These discussions included briefing Representative James Moylan on the recent developments in the India-US trade partnership and energy cooperation, as well as sharing views on mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Kwatra also spoke with Congressman Greg Steube, focusing on bilateral trade, particularly in energy, and emphasizing India's support for resolving the conflict in Ukraine through diplomacy. Furthermore, discussions were held with Representative Young Kim, Chairperson of the East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, where they shared perspectives on India's relationship with China and explored opportunities for collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.
These meetings come amidst existing strains in India-US relations, partly due to tariffs imposed on India. These tariffs include those on India's purchase of Russian oil. India has defended its procurement of Russian crude oil, citing national interest and market dynamics.
