How is FS Misri Enhancing India-US Strategic Tech Ties?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Meeting between Misri and Kessler signifies commitment to tech cooperation.
- Strategic Trade Dialogue aims to strengthen bilateral relations.
- Focus on emerging technologies is crucial for future collaboration.
- PM Modi's visit set the stage for enhanced strategic ties.
- US-India relations continue to evolve in military and commercial sectors.
Washington, May 28 (NationPress) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri engaged in discussions with US Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler on Wednesday (India time) regarding the prompt organization of the India-US Strategic Trade Dialogue to enhance bilateral partnerships in critical and emerging technologies. This meeting represents a crucial advancement in the high-level collaboration between New Delhi and Washington in strategically significant areas.
The discussions, conducted in Washington, aimed at reinforcing existing frameworks and accelerating key technology and trade initiatives between the two countries.
The Indian Embassy in Washington announced via X, "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler to propel India-US cooperation in critical & emerging technologies. They also deliberated on the early convening of the India-US Strategic Trade Dialogue to enhance tech & trade collaboration."
Currently, Misri is on a three-day visit to the United States, during which he plans to meet with senior officials from the Trump administration.
As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to the US in February 2025, during which both leaders initiated the 'India-US COMPACT — Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology' — a framework aimed at enhancing strategic cooperation for the 21st century.
During that occasion, PM Modi and US President Donald Trump collectively introduced the 'US-India COMPACT for the 21st Century', which seeks to stimulate transformative advancements across military, commercial, and technological sectors.
This was PM Modi's inaugural official visit to the US since President Trump's second inauguration in January 2025. Notably, PM Modi was among the first global leaders invited to the US following the formation of the new administration, with his visit occurring just three weeks after Trump's swearing-in.
This visit comes in light of President Trump's recent assertions that his administration facilitated the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan earlier this month.
However, New Delhi has consistently asserted that the ceasefire understanding resulted from Pakistan's urgent requests to terminate hostilities, following sustained and intense Indian military operations against Pakistani air bases during Operation Sindoor.
Indian authorities have emphasized that Islamabad was compelled to pursue a ceasefire due to the pressure exerted by the precision offensive.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also clarified last week that while the US had reached out to India between May 7 and 10, it was not the sole nation to do so.