Indian Envoy, U.S. Lawmakers Discuss Trade, Energy, Tariffs

• Kwatra met U.S. lawmakers on trade and energy cooperation
• Highlighted India-U.S. hydrocarbon trade; defended Russian oil purchases
• Meetings amid 50% U.S. tariffs, stressing fair and balanced trade

Recently, India's Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra discussed "mutually beneficial trade engagement" and "energy security" with U.S. lawmakers in the midst of growing tension over tariffs between Washington and New Delhi.

Kwatra met Senator Bill Hagerty to thank him for his "consistent and strong support" of the India-U.S. partnership and offered him an update on ongoing bilateral discussions with an emphasis on achieving fair and balanced trade. He also discussed India's energy priorities and highlighted the expanding hydrocarbon trade between the two nations.

Kwatra also had a "productive conversation" with Congressman Greg Landsman, updating him on the latest news regarding bilateral trade and energy cooperation. Earlier, he met with Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), the Ranking Member of the National Security Agency & Cyber Subcommittee of the House Intelligence Committee, to discuss two-way trade in oil and gas and how things can be done to maintain mutually beneficial trade links.

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He mentioned on his social media, "Shared updates on the latest developments in bilateral energy cooperation, including two-way trade in oil and gas and balanced, fair and mutually beneficial trade ties".

Since August 9, the Indian ambassador has met with 16 U.S. lawmakers, showing India's proactive diplomatic approach to keep trade and energy flows intact, even as U.S. tariffs strain ties. On August 27, President Donald Trump imposed 50% total tariffs on India - including full 25% duties on New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil.

India defended its procurement of Russian crude oil, arguing national interest and market forces are at play. After Western sanctions took hold and blocked trade with Moscow, India immediately turned to discounted Russian oil to keep its energy needs intact.

Kwatra's meetings are to ensure that U.S. lawmakers feel reassured about India's own approach while working to keep trade balanced and energy flows.