Jaishankar hosts US Congressmen, talks security, critical tech
US Secretary of Army meets Gen Dwivedi
A small group of US Congress members met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and discussed ways to strengthen the India-US partnership for stronger security, expanded trade and cooperation on critical technologies.
Separately, US Secretary of the Army Daniel P Driscoll called on Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, deepening military-to-military engagement and reinforcing the shared commitment of both armies to global peace and security.
Driscoll also visited an Army aviation base that operates the US-made Apache AH-64E attack helicopter.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor posted on X about the US congressional delegation — comprising Mike Rogers, Adam Smith and Jimmy Patronis — which met Jaishankar, saying “they discussed ways to strengthen the US-India partnership for stronger security, expanded trade and cooperation on critical technologies”.
Earlier, Jaishankar posted details of the meeting, saying they “discussed various aspects of India-US ties, the Indo-Pacific and the Ukraine conflict”. He added that congressional interactions have always been an important facet of the relationship and noted, “Had a good interaction with the US Congressional delegation.”
The visit of the US congressional delegation comes as both sides look to move forward in negotiations for a bilateral trade deal. India-US ties witnessed a major downturn after President Donald Trump imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, including a 25 per cent punitive levy over Russian oil purchases.
Both sides held multiple rounds of negotiations last year to firm up the proposed bilateral trade deal. However, it could not be finalised, largely due to Washington’s demands to open up India’s farm and dairy sectors.
Apart from tariffs, relations have also come under strain over a number of issues, including Trump’s claim of ending the India-Pakistan conflict in May last year and Washington’s new immigration policy.
