India-US Trade Agreement: US lawmaker meets EAM Jaishankar, makes BIG statement

New Delhi: In a big step towards clearing the way for the much anticipated India-US Trade Agreement, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Senator Steve Daines met in New Delhi on Sunday. EAM S Jaishankar shared pictures of the meeting on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

What did EAM Jaishankar and Steve Daines discuss?

Expectations are rising for positive news regarding trade between India and the US. S Jaishankar stated that he discussed bilateral relations and strategy with the US Senator. The US Ambassador's statement that India is the most important partner for the US, followed by the US Senator's meeting with the Indian External Affairs Minister, indicates that the ongoing trade talks between the two countries are progressing rapidly.

In a caption accompanying the pictures on X, S Jaishankar wrote, "Pleased to meet Senator Steve Daines in Delhi this morning. Had a frank discussion on our bilateral relationship and its strategic significance."

What did EAM Jaishankar say after the meeting?

In a caption accompanying the pictures on X, S Jaishankar wrote, "Pleased to meet Senator Steve Daines in Delhi this morning. Had a frank discussion on our bilateral relationship and its strategic significance."

Earlier, the External Affairs Minister had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussion focused on cooperation in trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy, and defense sectors.

What indications did the US ambassador give?

Earlier, US Ambassador Sergio Gore had said regarding the trade talks between the two countries that both sides are actively engaged in discussions. In fact, the next round of trade talks will be held on Tuesday. India is the world's largest country, so bringing the talks to a conclusion is not an easy task, but we are determined to get there. However, trade is very important for our relationship. We will continue to work together in other very important areas such as security, counter-terrorism, energy, technology, education, and health.

What did Sergio Gore say about the India-US Trade Agreement?

US Ambassador Sergio Gore called India the most important partner of the US and gave a strong indication in favour of the impending India-US Trade Agreement.

"There is no more important partner than India. In the coming months and years, my goal as Ambassador is to accomplish a very ambitious agenda. We will do this as true strategic partners, where everyone brings strength, respect, and leadership," he told the media.

Regarding the friendship between PM Modi and President Donald Trump, he said, "I can say that the friendship between the two leaders is genuine." 

“The United States and India are bound together not only by shared interests but also by a relationship built on the highest level of trust. True friends may have differing opinions, but ultimately, they always resolve their differences.”