External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held a high-level meeting on Sunday with US Ambassador Sergio Gor and a visiting US Congressional delegation to bolster the India-US strategic partnership. The discussions, described as “productive,” focused on deepening bilateral ties and addressing pressing global challenges, including the Ukraine conflict and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Strengthening the Strategic Core
The meeting included key US representatives Mike Rogers, Adam Smith, and Jimmy Patronis. Ambassador Gor emphasized that the focus remains on three pillars:
- Stronger Security: Enhancing defense cooperation and counter-terrorism efforts.
- Expanded Trade: Actively working toward a comprehensive trade deal.
- Critical Technologies: Collaborating on innovation-driven sectors.
Jaishankar noted on X (formerly Twitter) that “Congressional interactions have always been an important facet of our relationship,” highlighting the bipartisan support for India-US ties within Washington.
Key Recent Diplomatic Engagements
The meeting is part of a broader surge in diplomatic activity between the two nations following Ambassador Gor’s recent assumption of charge:
- Trade Focus: US Senator Steve Daines recently visited New Delhi to discuss secure supply chains and pulse crop trade provisions.
- High-Level Dialogue: On January 13, Jaishankar spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding nuclear cooperation, critical minerals, and energy.
India Joins “Pax Silica” Alliance
In a significant strategic development, Ambassador Gor announced that India will be invited to join the Pax Silica alliance as a full member next month.
What is Pax Silica? It is a US-led strategic initiative aimed at building a secure, resilient, and innovation-driven global silicon supply chain, reducing dependence on non-allied nations for semiconductor technology.
A “Real Friendship”
Addressing embassy staff, Ambassador Gor reaffirmed the strong personal rapport between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, stating, “No country is as essential as India for Washington.” While acknowledging that friends may occasionally disagree, he expressed total determination to bring a bilateral trade deal “across the finish line.”