External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with a three-member U.S. Congressional delegation on Sunday, which included two Republicans and one Democrat, alongside U.S. Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor. The Congressional members condemned the Pahalgam terror attack from April of the previous year, expressing solidarity with India as a victim of terrorism.
Ambassador Gor described the discussions as “productive,” emphasizing efforts to strengthen the bilateral partnership in security, trade, and critical technologies. The Congressional delegation, consisting of Jimmy Patronis, Mike Rogers, and Adam Smith, visited India at a time when both nations are eager to advance negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement.
Jaishankar reflected positively on the meeting through a social media post, stating it was a “good interaction.” He noted that various topics were covered, including India-U.S. ties, the Indo-Pacific region, and the conflict in Ukraine, highlighting the importance of Congressional engagement in bilateral relations.
Ambassador Gor added on X (formerly Twitter) that the meeting was focused on enhancing the U.S.-India partnership for greater security, expanded trade, and cooperation on critical technologies. This dialogue represents a crucial step in improving relations between the two countries.
However, the backdrop of ongoing tensions includes significant tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, including a steep 50% tariff that adds strain to trade discussions. Additionally, the Trump administration has introduced $100,000 fees for H-1B visas, further complicating the relationship. The situation has also been affected by Trump’s claims of credit for a ceasefire between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor in May of the previous year.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jaishankar-holds-talks-with-sergio-gor-us-lawmakers-on-trade-security-10494763/
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Publish Date: 2026-01-26 05:29:00
