Indian envoy Kwatra discusses hydrocarbons trade, AI, counter-terrorism with key US Senator

Indian Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, held discussions with US Senator Jacky Rosen on expanding cooperation in hydrocarbons, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and counter-terrorism, amid ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations.

Kwatra described the meeting as an “engaging conversation,” noting that Senator Rosen, who serves as the Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, Central, South Asia, and Counterterrorism, was briefed on India’s growing trade engagement with the United States.

“Briefed her on our current trade engagement and increasing bilateral trade in hydrocarbons,” Kwatra shared on social media.

The Indian envoy also emphasized the growing potential for collaboration in Artificial Intelligence, particularly in its societal applications. “We exchanged perspectives on AI developments and the scope of cooperation between India and the US in this domain,” he added.

Kwatra expressed appreciation for Senator Rosen’s consistent support for strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation, underlining the shared commitment of both nations to regional peace and security. “Appreciate her steadfast support for strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation between our countries in dealing with challenges confronting regional peace and security, including cross-border terrorism,” he said.

Meanwhile, officials have indicated that the India-US trade deal is nearing completion, with one senior official confirming that negotiations are “very near” to being finalized.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, speaking at the Berlin Global Dialogue last week, asserted that India would not rush into any trade agreement, stating, “India will not do any deal in a hurry or with a gun to our head.”

So far, five rounds of talks have been completed for the first phase of the proposed trade agreement.

Bilateral trade relations have been under strain since the Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, along with an additional 25% duty on imports tied to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil, measures India has criticized as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”