New Delhi, Jan 25 (NationPress) The External Affairs Minister of India, S. Jaishankar, engaged with a delegation from the US Congress, including Mike Rogers, Adam Smith, and Jimmy Patronis, alongside the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, in New Delhi. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations, recent developments in the Indo-Pacific region, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

After the meeting, EAM Jaishankar shared on X: "Had a productive interaction with the US Congressional delegation featuring Representatives Mike Rogers and Adam Smith, along with Jimmy Patronis and Ambassador Sergio Gor. We explored various facets of India-US relations, the Indo-Pacific landscape, and the Ukraine conflict. Congressional engagements have been a vital component of our partnership."

Previously, on January 18, EAM Jaishankar met with US Senator Steve Daines in the capital, discussing the strategic significance of the bilateral relationship.

Jaishankar described the encounter, stating on X, "It was a pleasure to meet Senator Steve Daines this morning in Delhi. We had a comprehensive and candid discussion regarding our bilateral ties and their strategic implications."

On January 13, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with EAM Jaishankar via phone, reviewing key collaborative areas such as civil nuclear energy, trade negotiations, and regional security in the Indo-Pacific.

According to EAM Jaishankar, "We discussed trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defense, and energy. We agreed to maintain communication on these and other pertinent matters."

Ambassador Sergio Gor characterized the call as favorable, commenting, "They talked about forthcoming steps concerning our bilateral trade negotiations, critical minerals, and a potential meeting next month," on X.

During the call, Rubio extended his congratulations to India for passing the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India bill, which is a recent addition to India's nuclear energy framework, as stated by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

He mentioned that the United States is eager to build upon this legislation to fortify civil nuclear cooperation between the two nations.

"He expressed a desire to leverage this significant development to enhance US-India civil nuclear cooperation, broaden opportunities for American companies, advance mutual energy security objectives, and ensure critical mineral supply chains," Pigott added.

The two diplomats also discussed the ongoing negotiations of the bilateral trade agreement and their mutual interest in enhancing economic collaboration.

"They exchanged views on regional developments, reaffirming their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," Pigott concluded.