India and the United States continued to strengthen their strategic partnership as India’s Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra met senior American lawmakers this week, focusing on deeper engagement in energy, technology, innovation and regional security.

Kwatra held discussions with Senator Brian Schatz, Deputy Secretary of the Senate Democratic Conference and a key member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The meeting highlighted the growing convergence between New Delhi and Washington on critical technology, defence cooperation and emerging global challenges.

In a post on X, Kwatra said, “Pleased to meet Senator Brian Schatz… Shared perspectives on ongoing bilateral defence cooperation, and deeper India–US engagement in energy, technology & innovation. Also exchanged perspectives on some of the key regional developments.”

The conversation reflects the strategic priorities shaping the India–US partnership, particularly collaboration in green energy, advanced technologies, and innovation-driven economic growth. As global supply chains undergo realignment, both countries continue to prioritise trusted technology ecosystems and resilient cooperation frameworks.

Kwatra also met US Representative Dina Titus to advance discussions on trade, technology and tourism—key areas that have seen significant growth in recent years. Following the meeting, he posted, “We discussed many facets of our partnership — trade, technology & tourism. Grateful for her constant support to stronger relations between our countries.”

The diplomatic outreach comes at a time when India and the US are accelerating work on a wider economic agenda. On Wednesday, US Deputy Trade Representative (USTR) Rick Switzer—on his first visit to India since assuming office—met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri for high-level trade talks. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), discussions focused on reinforcing the strong economic and technology partnership, advancing ongoing trade negotiations and boosting two-way commerce.

“Opportunities to strengthen resilient supply chains, tech collaboration and market access were key themes,” the MEA noted on X. Switzer is leading a delegation including chief negotiator Brendan Lynch, raising expectations for renewed momentum toward a long-pending India–US trade agreement.

The visit follows the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held on December 9, where both sides reviewed progress across a wide spectrum of strategic cooperation. The agenda included defence ties, the TRUST initiative, civil nuclear collaboration, critical minerals, clean energy and the expansion of trusted supply chains.

Foreign Secretary Misri and US Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker co-chaired the consultations, underscoring shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific and the need to deepen coordination in technology, defence, and global governance.

The MEA emphasised that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating “Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology (COMPACT) for the 21st Century,” a framework designed to drive transformative cooperation across defence, trade and advanced technologies.

The series of engagements, involving lawmakers, trade officials and strategic negotiators, underscores the evolving depth of the India–US partnership — one shaped increasingly by innovation, economic resilience and coordinated leadership in global affairs.