India’s Ambassador to US Vinay Kwatra hosts key American lawmakers
New York/Washington (PTI): India’s Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra hosted key American lawmakers as he welcomed the consistent, bipartisan support in the US Congress for the deepening partnership between Washington and New Delhi.
This is Kwatra's second such meeting with top US lawmakers in as many months amid ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement.
“A special evening at India House. Had the pleasure of hosting 12 Hon’ble Members of the US House of Representatives,” Kwatra said in a post on X Thursday.
India House is the Ambassador's official residence in Washington.
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Kwatra said he welcomed the “consistent, bipartisan support in the US Congress for the deepening India-US partnership—spanning wide-ranging conversations on trade and economic ties, cutting-edge technology and innovation, robust defence cooperation, and crucial counterterrorism efforts.”
The Indian envoy added that India's strong economic growth—projected over 7 per cent in the coming years “further strengthens this shared vision for prosperity and security.”
Kwatra welcomed Congresswoman Deborah Ross and Rep Rob Wittman, who are the co-chairs of the Congressional Study Group on India, an initiative to augment India’s engagement with the US House of Representatives and Senate and is supported by the Association of Former Members of Congress and Roundglass Foundation.
He expressed gratitude for the presence of Representatives Jim Costa, Bill Huizenga, Ami Bera, and Donald Norcross and “appreciated their perspectives on various aspects of the bilateral relationship.”
He also welcomed the support of Representatives Ron Estes, Chrissy Houlahan and Jay Obernolte and appreciated their guidance for strengthening the bilateral partnership.
“Valued the constructive exchanges on key pillars of bilateral cooperation with the new members of the 119th Congress” Congressman Nathaniel Moran, Congresswoman Julie Johnson and Congressman Jefferson Shreve, he said. Six rounds of negotiations have been held so far between India and the US for the bilateral trade agreement. The pact includes a framework deal to resolve the 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods entering the US.
Earlier on December 1, Kwatra held “fruitful conversations” with a group of influential American lawmakers on strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy, defence, and trade.
He had then hosted US Senators Lindsey Graham, Richard Blumenthal, Sheldon Whitehouse, Peter Welch, Dan Sullivan, and Markwayne Mullin at India House.
Kwatra has been regularly meeting US lawmakers to discuss various bilateral issues.
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PM Modi speaks to Iranian president, discusses 'serious' situation in West Asia
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday night spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the phone and discussed the "serious situation" in West Asia.
Modi expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the region and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.
The prime minister told the Iranian President that the safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priorities.
“Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure,” Modi said in a post on X.
The prime minister also reiterated India's commitment to peace and stability and urged dialogue and diplomacy to end the crisis.
The prime minister had spoken to leaders of several West Asian countries in the last 10 days in the wake of the coordinated offensive launched against Iran by the United States and Israel, in which the Islamic country's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed last month.
In retaliation, Iran has fired drones and missiles at Israel and US military installations around the Gulf region, including the global business and aviation hubs of Dubai and Doha.
Modi earlier spoke to the leaders of Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Israel and Qatar, and expressed concern over the attacks on their countries, and condemned the violation of some nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also discussed the welfare and security of the Indian community residing in those countries.
Around 1 crore Indians live in the Gulf and West Asia. While about 10,000 Indian citizens live, study and work in Iran, more than 40,000 live in Israel.
