Indian Envoy Holds Talks with US House Speaker on Counterterrorism and Trade Cooperation
Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra highlights India-US partnership in defence, energy, and technology during Capitol Hill meeting
Washington, Jan 8: India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, met US House Speaker Mike Johnson on Capitol Hill to discuss the India-US relationship, counterterrorism cooperation, and key areas of bilateral partnership.
Kwatra described the meeting as an honour and expressed “deep appreciation for [Speaker Johnson’s] support for strengthening the India-US bilateral relationship.” He thanked the Speaker for US solidarity with India’s counterterrorism efforts, particularly following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025.
During the discussions, the ambassador briefed the Speaker on the breadth of India-US cooperation, covering defence and security, oil and gas trade, and technology, including artificial intelligence. Kwatra also outlined India’s trade priorities and emphasized efforts toward a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade deal with the United States.
Defence and security cooperation have become central to India-US ties, with both countries expanding military exercises and defence trade in recent years. Energy cooperation is also growing, with the US emerging as a major supplier of crude oil and liquefied natural gas to India. Technology collaboration, especially in emerging fields like AI, remains a key focus area.
Kwatra’s meeting with the House Speaker reflects India’s ongoing outreach to US congressional leaders, who play a pivotal role in shaping American policy on defence, trade, and foreign relations. Engagement with Congress is seen as vital for sustaining long-term India-US cooperation.
India and the United States describe their relationship as a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, reinforced through regular high-level contacts and institutional dialogues.
