Washington, April 9 (NationPress) The United States and India have intensified discussions on trade, defence, and critical technologies as Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri participated in a series of high-level meetings during his three-day visit to Washington.

The discussions were held at both the Pentagon and the Department of Commerce, alongside a public initiative aimed at enhancing trade ties via a new digital platform.

Misri, together with Ambassador Vinay Kwatra, inaugurated the India–USA Trade Facilitation Portal, which the Indian Embassy characterized as “a significant step toward realizing the full potential of trade between India and the US.”

This portal is designed to support “Mission 500,” with registrations now available for exporters. Officials mentioned that the initiative aims to simplify market access and strengthen commercial connections.

During his visit to the Pentagon, Misri engaged in a “productive interaction” with Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Mike Duffey.

“The two officials explored avenues to enhance the defence industrial, technology, and supply chain relationships between India and the US, in line with the ambitious objectives outlined in the Framework for the bilateral Major Defence Partnership signed last year,” the embassy stated.

Misri also conferred with Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby in a “wide-ranging discussion” focusing on developments in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia. This meeting followed their recent discussion in New Delhi.

The defence dialogues emphasized the increasing focus on industrial collaboration, technology transfer, and supply chain integration between the two nations.

At the Department of Commerce, Misri met with Under Secretaries Jeffrey Kessler and William Kimmitt to advance cooperation in commercial and critical technologies.

“They also discussed the establishment of resilient and reliable supply chains,” the embassy noted.

The series of meetings showcased a concerted effort to align economic and strategic priorities, particularly in emerging technologies and secure supply chains.

This visit follows External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s trip to Washington in February and is part of a consistent rhythm of high-level exchanges between the two nations.

Accompanying military engagements further enhanced the momentum. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, during his official visit to the United States, toured Peterson Space Force Base and engaged with General Gregory M. Guillot, resulting in what the Indian Air Force termed a “constructive exchange of views on complex operational modalities.”

Visuals from Washington displayed a blend of formal meetings, corridor discussions, and industry events, illustrating the expanding scope of the partnership.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, this visit provides an opportunity to review the “full spectrum of India–US bilateral relations” and promote collaboration across critical sectors, including trade, defence, science and technology, as well as regional and global issues of mutual concern.

In recent years, India and the United States have broadened their cooperation under a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, with defence, technology, and supply chains serving as essential pillars.

Bilateral trade has shown steady growth, with both nations aiming to further enhance it. Initiatives such as the new trade portal are anticipated to assist exporters and foster economic integration.