Indian envoy presses for fair trade in talks with US Congress members

Continuing his diplomatic outreach, India’s envoy to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, has met a fresh round of American lawmakers to discuss “balanced trade ties” amid tariff tensions between New Delhi and Washington.

Since August 9, the Ambassador has held discussions with 19 senators and members of Congress, according to his social media posts.

On Friday (local time), Kwatra met Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, a member of the Ways and Means Committee and the House Intelligence Committee, for what he described as an “in-depth conversation” on the importance of fair and balanced trade relations.

“We discussed US-India bilateral relations and the importance of fair and balanced trade ties,” Kwatra posted. He said he also highlighted India’s “growing hydrocarbon purchases from the US as an important component of India’s energy security” during the meeting.

In another interaction, Kwatra held what he termed a “productive conversation” with Congressman Jonathan L Jackson, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee (Democrats) and the House Agriculture Committee (Democrats).

The envoy also briefed Congresswoman Haley Stevens of Michigan on India’s hydrocarbon imports from the United States.

"We discussed US-India bilateral economic partnership, including our fair and balanced trade engagement," he posted after their meeting. Stevens is a ranking member of the Research and Technology Subcommittee and serves on the House Science Committee.

Kwatra again emphasised India's "significant hydrocarbon purchases from the US as an important component of India's energy security" in his talks with Stevens.

The flurry of meetings comes against the backdrop of strained ties after US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs totalling 50 per cent on India, including a 25 per cent levy on New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil, due to take effect from 27 August.