India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, held a series of meetings with American lawmakers this week, focusing on trade, energy security, and the evolving India–US partnership.

On Wednesday (India time), Kwatra met Representative Pete Sessions, Chairman of the Congressional Sub-Committee on Governmental Operations. “Engaged in a productive discussion with Representative Pete Sessions… Briefed him on India’s position on recent developments, including trade, and exchanged views on energy security and the growing hydrocarbon partnership between our countries,” Kwatra posted on X.

Earlier, on Tuesday, Kwatra met Representative Marc Veasey, Vice Co-Chair of the India Caucus in the US House of Representatives. He emphasized the importance of fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade to further strengthen bilateral ties. “Had a fruitful discussion with Representative Veasey… Briefed him on India’s position on recent developments and underlined the importance of fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade,” Kwatra wrote.

Kwatra also held talks with Representative Michael Baumgartner, briefing him on New Delhi’s views regarding mutual trade and energy ties. “Grateful for his strong support for the relationship,” the envoy noted.

These diplomatic engagements come amid renewed trade friction, after US President Donald Trump earlier this month announced an additional 25 percent tariff hike on Indian imports, citing New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil. The hike follows an earlier 25 percent tariff imposed in July.

India has strongly rejected the move, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) calling the decision “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” stressing that India’s energy needs and strategic autonomy must be respected.

Kwatra’s meetings with key members of Congress are seen as part of New Delhi’s efforts to mitigate trade tensions and reinforce strategic dialogue with Washington.