Are Foreign Secretary Misri and Deputy NSA Visiting the US Next Week?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Deputy NSA Pawan Kapoor to visit Washington.
- Visit directed by PM Narendra Modi.
- Focus on ceasefire discussions between India and Pakistan.
- Trade discussions with the U.S. on eliminating tariffs.
- Delegation led by Shashi Tharoor promoting India's anti-terrorism stance.
New Delhi, May 25 (NationPress) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) Pawan Kapoor are set to travel to Washington next week, following instructions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to high-level sources disclosed on Sunday.
This upcoming visit aligns with the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump asserting that his administration facilitated the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan after extensive discussions.
India has consistently held that the ceasefire agreement was achieved following Pakistan's urgent attempts to resolve hostilities, especially after Indian military actions targeted its air bases during Operation Sindoor.
During the week, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar reiterated that numerous nations, including the U.S., had engaged with India between May 7-10.
In an interview with NOS from the Netherlands, the EAM clarified that the halt in military actions was a direct negotiation between India and Pakistan, emphasizing that the ceasefire came after the opposing nation made the initial move.
He noted that it is typical for various countries to initiate communications with nations involved in military conflicts.
“U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reached out to me, while U.S. Vice President JD Vance communicated with PM Modi,” stated the EAM.
Moreover, Trump mentioned that India has proposed a bilateral trade agreement with the U.S. that would essentially eliminate tariffs on a selection of American products.
“They are presenting a deal where they are willing to impose no tariffs at all,” Trump stated during his visit to Doha, Qatar, earlier this month.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi and Trump discussed negotiating the first phase of a mutually advantageous, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement during Modi's visit to Washington in February, aiming for completion by fall 2025.
Meanwhile, an eight-member, bipartisan delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has kickstarted its tour to the Americas and Caribbean today, conveying India's unwavering stance of zero-tolerance towards terrorism.
The team is set to visit Guyana, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil before returning to the U.S. for discussions with leaders, legislators, and thought leaders.