What Opportunities Are Emerging in India-US Trade Engagement and Technology Collaboration?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's Ambassador to the US met with Senator Steve Daines.
- Discussions revolved around bilateral trade and technology collaboration.
- Focus on a 10-year defence framework agreement.
- Strong support from the US Senate for India-US ties.
- Significant engagement during the recent Diwali event.
Washington, Nov 6 (NationPress) India's Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, engaged in discussions with US Senator Steve Daines regarding the current state of bilateral trade relations, the signing of a 10-year defence framework agreement, and the potential for collaboration in technology and innovation between the two countries.
In a statement released on Thursday, Kwatra expressed gratitude to Daines, a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, for his robust support in enhancing the relationship between the two nations.
"It was a privilege to meet Senator Steve Daines, a distinguished member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. I thanked him for his unwavering support in bolstering India-US relations. Our conversation was rich with insights on ongoing bilateral trade initiatives, the significant 10-year defence framework, and avenues for collaboration in technology and innovation between our nations. I appreciate his leadership in prioritizing our bilateral relationship in the Senate," he shared on X.
On the previous day, Kwatra mentioned hosting US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Paul Kapur, at India House, where they discussed mutual priorities and ways to strengthen bilateral ties.
In a post on X, he wrote: "Thrilled to host Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur at India House. We had an engaging dialogue on shared priorities and fortifying India-US bilateral relations."
Kapur expressed his gratitude for the hospitality he received at India House. The US State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs stated on X: "Thank you, Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra, for graciously hosting me at India House. I valued the opportunity to discuss shared bilateral and regional priorities, particularly in enhancing the U.S.-India relationship. - A/S Paul Kapur."
On Tuesday, the White House communicated that US President Donald Trump holds great respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the two leaders engaging in discussions "quite frequently".
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, while addressing a query regarding India-US ties, remarked that Trump "harbors strong positive feelings" about the bilateral relationship. "The President admires Prime Minister Modi greatly, and their conversations happen often," she noted.
She also referenced last month’s Diwali event at the White House and the appointment of Sergio Gor as the next US Ambassador, as indications of the President’s commitment to the relationship with India.
"A few weeks ago, he spoke directly with the Prime Minister during the Diwali celebration in the Oval Office with numerous high-ranking Indian American officials present. We have a fantastic US Ambassador to India in Mr. Sergio Gor, who will represent our country excellently," she added.
On October 21, Trump hosted a special Diwali celebration at the White House, where he referred to Prime Minister Modi as “a remarkable individual” and expressed his affection for “the people of India”.
The event saw attendance from Kwatra, Gor, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, along with prominent business leaders from the Indian diaspora.
Regarding trade negotiations, Leavitt disclosed that Trump and his team are engaged in "very serious discussions" with their Indian counterparts.
"The President and his trade team are deeply engrossed in significant discussions with India concerning that matter," she concluded.