External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday held detailed discussions with a visiting three-member US Congressional delegation, focusing on trade, security, and geopolitical challenges. The meeting comes at a sensitive moment in India–US relations, as both countries seek to stabilise ties strained by tariffs and policy disagreements.
The delegation, comprising US lawmakers Mike Rogers, Adam Smith, and Jimmy Patronis, met Jaishankar in New Delhi along with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Describing the interaction as productive, both sides underlined the importance of strengthening the bilateral partnership, particularly in security cooperation, trade expansion, and collaboration on critical and emerging technologies.
Jaishankar said the talks covered a wide range of issues, including the Indo-Pacific region and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. He emphasised that Congressional engagements have historically played a crucial role in deepening India–US relations and maintaining dialogue even during periods of diplomatic strain.
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The visit gains significance as New Delhi and Washington attempt to revive negotiations on a long-pending bilateral trade agreement. While multiple rounds of talks were held last year, the deal has remained elusive due to US demands for greater access to India’s agriculture and dairy sectors.
India–US ties suffered a major setback after former US President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods, including a punitive levy linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil. Additional friction emerged over immigration policies and Trump’s claims regarding mediation in the India–Pakistan conflict.
Despite these challenges, the latest engagement reflects a shared intent to reset the relationship. With strategic and economic interests increasingly aligned, both sides appear keen to move past recent tensions and chart a more stable and forward-looking partnership.
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