Jaishankar holds talks with US lawmakers on trade, security amid strain in ties

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday held discussions with a three-member United States Congressional delegation , focusing on key aspects of India-US relations , including security cooperation, trade ties, critical technologies and major global developments, amid continuing strain in bilateral relations.

The US delegation, comprising lawmakers Jimmy Patronis, Mike Rogers and Adam Smith , met Jaishankar in the presence of US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor . The talks took place as both sides sought to revive momentum in negotiations for a proposed bilateral trade agreement .

According to official statements, the meeting covered a wide range of issues, including regional and global security challenges , cooperation in the Indo-Pacific , and the ongoing Ukraine conflict . Jaishankar described the interaction as a “good” and substantive exchange, underlining the importance of regular engagement with the US Congress in strengthening bilateral ties.

“Discussed various aspects of India-US ties, Indo-Pacific and the Ukraine conflict. Congressional interactions have always been an important facet of our relationship,” Jaishankar said in a social media post.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor described the discussions as “productive,” noting that both India and the United States explored ways to strengthen their partnership in multiple areas. These included security , through defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, and regional stability; expanded trade , by boosting bilateral commerce, improving market access, and working toward a trade deal; and cooperation on critical technologies , such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, renewable energy, and space technology, to promote joint research, innovation, and knowledge sharing.

The visit of the Congressional delegation comes at a sensitive time in India-US relations, which witnessed a major downturn after former US President Donald Trump imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods , including a 25 per cent punitive levy linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil.

Although New Delhi and Washington held several talks last year on a trade deal, it could not be finalised as the US sought greater access to India’s farm and dairy sectors, which India rejected to protect farmers and food security. Relations have also faced strain due to Trump’s claim of influencing the India-Pakistan conflict and Washington’s stricter visa and immigration policies affecting students and skilled professionals, adding to the challenges in bilateral ties.

Despite these challenges, both sides have continued high-level engagements , signalling their intent to stabilise ties and expand cooperation across strategic, economic and technological domains.