India and US Strengthen Ties Through Bilateral Trade Talks and 10-Year Defence Framework Agreement

Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra of India met with US Senator Steve Daines to discuss multiple aspects of India-US relations, focusing on bilateral trade engagement, the signing of a 10-year defence framework agreement, and potential collaboration in technology and innovation.

During their meeting in Washington, Kwatra expressed gratitude to Senator Daines, who serves on the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, for his continued support in strengthening the partnership between the two nations.

In a statement released on Thursday, Ambassador Kwatra described the meeting as "an honor" and highlighted their "enriching conversation" on current bilateral trade matters, the defence framework agreement, and opportunities for technological cooperation. He appreciated Daines' leadership in advancing the priorities of the India-US bilateral relationship in the US Senate.

The ambassador shared details of the meeting on social media platform X, including a photograph of their encounter.

Earlier on Wednesday, Ambassador Kwatra hosted US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur at India House. Their discussions focused on shared priorities and enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries.

Following this meeting, the US State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs acknowledged the opportunity to discuss shared bilateral and regional priorities aimed at strengthening US-India ties.

On Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the current state of India-US relations, stating that President Donald Trump holds "great respect" for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She noted that the two leaders communicate "pretty frequently" and that President Trump "feels very positive and strongly" about the bilateral relationship.

Leavitt referenced the recent Diwali celebration at the White House as evidence of the administration's commitment to US-India relations. The October 21 event, hosted by President Trump, included Ambassador Kwatra, newly appointed US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, along with prominent business leaders from the Indian diaspora.

During the Diwali celebration, President Trump referred to Prime Minister Modi as "a great person" and expressed his fondness for "the people of India."

On the topic of trade negotiations, Leavitt revealed that President Trump and his team are engaged in "very serious discussions" with their Indian counterparts.