new delhi, Sept 11
Ambassador of India to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, held key meetings with top American lawmakers, including Senator Mike Crapo and Senator Dan Sullivan, to discuss bilateral trade, defence, and energy cooperation.
He also welcomed the nomination of Sergio Gor as the next US Ambassador to India, calling it a strong signal of the growing importance of India-US ties.
Ambassador Kwatra met with Senator Mike Crapo, Chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, and briefed him on India’s efforts to promote a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade engagement between the two countries.
a“Had the privilege to brief Senator Mike Crapo, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, on our efforts towards a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial trade engagement and enhanced discussions on defense and energy cooperation between India and the US. Grateful for his strong leadership and support in further strengthening our ties,” Kwatra posted on X.
This meeting followed a statement by former US President Donald Trump on Truth Social, where he announced that India-US trade negotiations are back on track.
“I am pleased to announce that India and the United States of America are continuing negotiations to address the trade barriers between our two nations,” Trump wrote.“I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks. I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our great countries.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed Trump’s optimism, stating that the negotiations will help unlock the “limitless potential” of the India-US partnership.
Taking to the social media platform X, Modi described India and the United States as “close friends and natural partners,” affirming that both sides are committed to concluding negotiations at the earliest.
“I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-U.S. partnership.
Our teams are working to conclude these discussions at the earliest,” Modi said. “I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people.”
Ambassador Kwatra also met with Senator Dan Sullivan, a member of the India Caucus, where the two leaders exchanged views on key strategic issues.
“A fruitful conversation with Senator Dan Sullivan, member of India Caucus and a good friend of India. Thanked him for his strong support to the bilateral relationship.
“We exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including ongoing joint military exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ in Alaska, potential LNG purchases from Alaska as a vital component of our energy security, and our commitment to support peace in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy. Appreciate his guidance on enhanced collaboration between our two countries, particularly in defence and energy domains,” Kwatra said.
Ambassador Kwatra also welcomed the nomination of Sergio Gor, a close aide to President Donald Trump, as the next US Ambassador to India. Gor is set to appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today for his confirmation hearing.
“I welcome that President Trump is sending one of his most trusted aides, Sergio Gor, to serve as the next US Ambassador to India.
This move is viewed as a sign of the importance and priority of India–US ties and a commitment to strengthening the bridges and deepening the bonds of friendship between our two countries,” Kwatra posted on X.
If confirmed, Gor, 38, will become the youngest American envoy to New Delhi. The post has remained vacant since January 2025.
The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) also expressed strong support for Gor’s nomination in a letter to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
“We believe Mr. Gor’s appointment is critical to reinvigorating US engagement with India and to advancing our nations’ shared interests,” the letter said.
The forum noted the urgency of strong diplomatic leadership to “get ties back on track” and highlighted Gor’s “proven experience at the highest levels of government” and the full confidence of the President as major strengths.
Gor’s dual role as Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asia has also been interpreted as a clear sign of Washington’s commitment to advancing a comprehensive regional strategy in the Indo-Pacific.
