India’s top envoy to Washington, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, is busy turning economic friction into dialogue. Following President Donald Trump’s 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods, Kwatra engaged in “productive discussions with US lawmakers to strengthen bilateral relations,” emphasising the importance of “fair and balanced trade ties.”
On Friday, he met with Congresswoman Claudia Tenney to highlight India’s growing hydrocarbon imports from the United States, calling them “an important component of India’s energy security.” In a post on X, Kwatra said, “Had an in-depth conversation with Claudia Tenney. We discussed US-India bilateral relations and the importance of fair and balanced trade ties.”
Had an in-depth conversation with @RepTenney . We discussed bilateral relations and the importance of fair and balanced trade ties. Highlighted India’s growing hydrocarbon purchases from the U.S. as an important component of India’s energy security.— Amb Vinay Mohan Kwatra (@AmbVMKwatra) August 22, 2025
Earlier, Kwatra held talks with Representative Josh Gottheimer, updating him on the latest developments in energy cooperation, including two-way trade in oil and gas. He tweeted, “Appreciated my conversation today with Josh Gottheimer Shared updates on bilateral energy cooperation, including trade in oil and gas and balanced, fair, and mutually beneficial trade ties.”
The ambassador’s engagement didn’t stop there. On Wednesday, he discussed strengthening trade and cooperation in hydrocarbons with Senator John Cornyn of Texas, and held talks with Congressman Andy Barr, Vice Co-Chair of the House India Caucus. Kwatra highlighted that trade “rooted in mutual respect” remains essential amid tensions over India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil, a move that triggered Navarro’s sharp criticism that India is “perpetuating” the Ukraine war.
Had a productive discussion with Senator @JohnCornyn , Co-Chair of India Caucus in the US Senate. Grateful to him for his support to the bilateral relationship. Discussed issues of mutual interest and highlighted the importance of bilateral trade engagement grounded in mutual— Amb Vinay Mohan Kwatra (@AmbVMKwatra) August 21, 2025
Through these discussions, Kwatra signaled India’s commitment to dialogue, energy security, and maintaining strong US ties despite trade disputes.
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With inputs from ANI