Kwatra Talking To US Lawmakers In The Midst Of Strained Relations
India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON, D.C.—India’s Ambassador to the U.S., Vinay Mohan Kwatra, has been engaged in a series of high-level discussions with American lawmakers, seeking to address growing trade and energy security concerns. The diplomatic outreach comes at a critical time, following a recent decision by the U.S. to impose steep tariffs on Indian goods in response to New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil.
Kwatra’s engagements over two days involved conversations with five U.S. Representatives and one Senator, where he briefed them on India’s position regarding these recent developments.
On August 20, Kwatra held a “productive discussion” with Representative Pete Sessions, Chairman of the Congressional Subcommittee on Governmental Operations, explaining India’s trade position and exchanging views on energy security and the two nations’ growing hydrocarbon partnership.
In a post on the social media platform X, Kwatra also noted that he had a “fruitful discussion” with Representative Marc Veasey, emphasizing the importance of “fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade” to strengthen bilateral ties. Kwatra also spoke with Representative Michael Baumgartner, briefing him on recent developments in the U.S.-India partnership and New Delhi’s perspectives on mutual trade and energy ties.
On August 21, Kwatra continued his outreach with a meeting with Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus, Senator John Cornyn from Texas. Their conversation focused on strengthening bilateral trade and cooperation in hydrocarbons, particularly between Texas and India.
The Ambassador also met with Congressman Andy Barr, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Financial Institutions & Monetary Policy, to discuss enhancing the U.S.-India bilateral trade and investment partnership.
The flurry of meetings and diplomatic outreach coincides with a significant escalation in trade tensions. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on August 20 had said that President Trump’s harsh tariff moves against India was intended to put “secondary pressure” on Russia over the Ukraine conflict.
Leavitt explained during a briefing, “The president has put tremendous public pressure to bring this war to a close. He’s taken actions, as you’ve seen, sanctions on India and other actions as well. He’s made himself very clear that he wants to see this war end.”
In response to the U.S. move, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had previously criticized the tariffs as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” asserting that India’s energy needs and strategic autonomy must be respected. (With ANI and IANS inputs)
