India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, met on Wednesday (local time) with Senator John Cornyn of Texas, who serves as the Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus. Their conversation focused on deepening trade relations and boosting cooperation in the energy sector—especially in the area of hydrocarbons—between India and the US state of Texas.
Following the meeting, Ambassador Kwatra shared a message on X (formerly Twitter), expressing appreciation for Senator Cornyn’s ongoing commitment to strengthening India-US ties. He emphasized the value of mutual respect in fostering trade and strategic cooperation.
“Had a productive discussion with Senator John Cornyn, 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 respect. We also discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation further in hydrocarbons, particularly between Texas and India,” Kwatra posted.
Earlier, Ambassador Kwatra also met with Congressman Andy Barr, who chairs the House Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy and serves as Vice Co-Chair of the India Caucus in the House of Representatives.
Reflecting on their discussion, Kwatra wrote, “Had a productive conversation today with Congressman Andy Barr, Chairman of House Subcommittee on Financial Institutions & Monetary Policy. We continued our exchange of thoughts on the many possibilities of enhancing US-India bilateral trade & investment partnership. Thankful for his strong leadership and consistent support for the relationship as vice-Co-Chair of India Caucus in the House of Representatives.”
These diplomatic engagements come at a time of economic friction following US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to increase tariffs on Indian imports. The move is reportedly linked to India’s continued purchase of oil from Russia.
On Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s stance, stating that the president had raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent as part of broader efforts to pressure Russia over its war in Ukraine.
“Look, the president has put tremendous public pressure to bring this war to a close. He’s taken actions, as you’ve seen—sanctions on India and other actions as well. He’s made himself very clear that he wants to see this war end,” Leavitt told reporters during a briefing.
