India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday held a meeting with a three-member American Congressional delegation led by US Ambassador Sergio Gor to discuss various aspects of India-US relations, including trade and defence.
Following the conclusion of the meeting, U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor said the talks were “productive” and that the focus was on strengthening the bilateral partnership in the domains of security, trade and critical technologies.
The meeting comes on the heels of Trump’s recent formulation of the ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza that met in Davos where he was joined by Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif on the stage as an inaugural member.
‘Good interaction’, ‘productive meeting’
In his comments, India’s external affairs minister labelled the meeting as a good interaction. “Discussed various aspects of India-US ties, Indo Pacific and Ukraine conflict. Congressional interactions have always been an important facet of our relationship,” he said.
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The US ambassador also posted about the meeting on X where he highlighted some of the focus points of the meeting.
“Just wrapped a productive meeting with EAM @DrSJaishankar, @RepMikeRogersAL, @RepAdamSmith, and @JimmyPatronis on ways to strengthen US-India partnership for stronger security, expanded trade, and cooperation on critical technologies,” Gor said on X.
Just wrapped a productive meeting with EAM @DrSJaishankar, @RepMikeRogersAL, @RepAdamSmith, and @JimmyPatronis on ways to strengthen U.S.-India partnership for stronger security, expanded trade, and cooperation on critical technologies. https://t.co/kHfdkhBFtn
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) January 25, 2026
Both sides have held multiple rounds of negotiations last year to firm up the proposed bilateral trade deal. Apart from the tariffs, the relations came under strain on a number of other issues, including the US president’s recurrent claims of ending the India-Pakistan conflict last year and Washington’s new immigration policy.
India-US trade deal
The visit of the US Congressional delegation to India, comprising Jimmy Patronis, Mike Rogers and Adam Smith, came as both sides are looking to move forward in the negotiations for a bilateral trade deal.
As per international observers interviewed by ANI, this meeting signals renewed diplomatic engagement aimed at recalibrating India-US relations following months of tariff-related tensions.
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The meeting takes place against the backdrop of strained ties following the imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods by the US under President Donald Trump, including a 25% punitive levy linked to India’s Russian oil purchases.
The tariff actions significantly disrupted trade flows and slowed progress on the proposed bilateral trade agreement. |
