India, US Ramp Up Trade & Tech Talks

India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, held an extensive discussion with Jacob Helberg, the new US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, to push forward the India-US economic engagement agenda.

Kwatra congratulated Helberg on assuming office and outlined India’s key priorities.

He pushed for a mutually beneficial trade deal, a stronger strategic trade dialogue, and deeper technology cooperation, especially in artificial intelligence.

Helberg, who took office in mid-October, brings wide experience from the tech and national security domains.

He previously advised the White House Council of Economic Advisors and founded The Hill and Valley Forum to bridge Silicon Valley and US lawmakers.

Vinay Mohan Kwatra also worked closely with Congress to highlight national security risks posed by China.

He served as a Senior Advisor to the CEO of Palantir Technologies and invested in several fast-growing tech firms.

Talks Deepen Strategic Cooperation

He also contributed to the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, where he advocated for tariffs and industrial independence from China.

Helberg also led Google’s Search policy and helped build GeoQuant.

Kwatra continued his outreach in Washington with a series of high-level engagements.

On November 24, he met US Representative Jay Obernolte, Chair of the House Science, Space, and Technology Research and Technology Subcommittee.

He highlighted opportunities for expanded cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and AI, strengthening momentum in bilateral tech partnerships.

Last week, the Ambassador met US Senator John Barrasso, Majority Whip and a key member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Kwatra highlighted the principal drivers of the India-US strategic partnership and stressed the need to advance them.

He pointed to progress on a balanced trade arrangement, rising oil and gas trade, and deeper defence and security cooperation.

These engagements align with India’s broader push for a future-ready trade relationship.

In October, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal expressed optimism about the two countries reaching a fair and equitable trade agreement.

He said both sides are steadily advancing toward this goal.

Piyush Goyal noted that senior officials are engaging constructively and that the talks are progressing steadily.

Together, these meetings reinforce the steady strengthening of the India-US economic, technological, and strategic partnership.

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