What Did the Indian Ambassador Discuss with US Senator on Technology and Innovation?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ambassador Kwatra's meeting with Senator Rounds focused on technology and innovation.
- Energy cooperation is a key aspect of the India-US partnership.
- Ambassador Kwatra has been actively engaging with US lawmakers to strengthen high-tech collaborations.
- India's purchases of US hydrocarbons are on the rise.
- Significant Diwali celebrations were recently held in Washington.
Washington, Nov 4 (NationPress) Vinay Kwatra, India’s Ambassador to the United States, engaged in discussions with Republican Senator Mike Rounds to explore avenues for collaboration between India and the US in technology, innovation, and trade.
Following the meeting, Ambassador Kwatra described the interaction as “productive.”
He stated, “We had a useful exchange regarding enhancing collaboration in technology and innovation between India and the US, as well as developing a roadmap for effective cooperation in the field of Artificial Intelligence. I also updated him on our current bilateral trade engagements and the increasing purchases of hydrocarbons from the US by India,” he elaborated.
The cooperation in energy has evolved into a vital pillar of the India-US partnership, with India ramping up its purchases of American crude oil and liquefied natural gas.
Senator Rounds, representing South Dakota, is the Chairperson of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and co-chairs the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus. He has been active in legislative efforts to foster innovation and bolster US leadership in emerging technologies.
This meeting with Rounds is part of Ambassador Kwatra’s continuous engagements with US lawmakers aimed at enhancing cooperation in high-technology sectors. Recently, he has participated in numerous discussions centered on strengthening partnerships in innovation, trade, and clean energy.
Last month, he was present at several Diwali celebrations in Washington, including events at the World Bank and other think tanks.
On October 24, Ambassador Kwatra attended Diwali festivities organized by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, where Ricky Gill, Special Assistant to President Donald Trump and Senior Director for South and Central Asia at the White House National Security Council, was also in attendance.
Kwatra expressed his delight on X, stating, “I was thrilled to attend the Diwali Reception hosted by @USIPForum to celebrate the festive season with friends of India across various sectors, including the US Government, Business, Think Tanks, and media.”
The Indian Ambassador also participated in a special Diwali event at the White House, where President Trump conveyed his “warmest wishes to the people of India.”
Trump lit a diya in the Oval Office, referring to it as “a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness.”
The Indian Ambassador expressed gratitude to President Trump for commemorating Diwali at the White House, stating, “This celebration showcases the strength of diversity. It is a true honor. On behalf of my Prime Minister and myself, I wish you and your families a joyous Diwali, especially to the over 5 million-strong Indian diaspora in the US.”