India is reinforcing its diplomatic and economic footprint in the United States with a series of high-level visits aimed at advancing strategic cooperation and finalising key trade negotiations. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to visit Washington, D.C. from May 27 to 29 to engage with senior U.S. administration officials.
The visit serves as a follow-up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s February 2025 trip, during which both nations launched the India-US COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology). The initiative marks a renewed commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in defence, technology, and trade.
The agenda of Misri’s U.S. visit is expected to include discussions on regional security, strategic technology partnerships, and implementation pathways under the COMPACT framework. His visit comes at a time both nations seek to consolidate momentum gained from recent diplomatic engagements.
This visit follows Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s week-long mission to Washington, where he met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Goyal’s back-to-back meetings with Lutnick — including one held just days apart — underscored the urgency both sides attach to finalising the first tranche of the India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
Negotiators have been working intensively to conclude an interim trade deal by July 8, ahead of the full implementation of U.S. reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports. The proposed agreement aims to provide relief to Indian exporters, particularly in labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, gems, and agricultural goods. The U.S. is seeking greater market access for electric vehicles, wines and agro-products like apples and tree nuts.
“The talks are progressing positively,” a senior Indian official said. “Our goal is to conclude the interim arrangement before July 8, followed by a comprehensive agreement by autumn.”
The two nations are targeting a significant leap in bilateral trade—from the current $190 billion to $500 billion by 2030—supported by phased tariff reductions, non-tariff barrier resolution and digital services expansion.
All-Party Delegation
An all-party parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor concluded the first stopover in the US last week before flying to Guyana.
In interactions with the Indian diaspora and officials in New York, the delegation addressed regional security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack. Tharoor highlighted India’s measured and calibrated response to cross-border terrorism and reaffirmed India’s preference for peace and economic development over military confrontation.
“India seeks no war with Pakistan,” Tharoor said during a session at the consulate. “But we will not tolerate attempts to destabilise our sovereignty through terror.”
The delegation also visited the 9/11 memorial in New York to underscore India’s solidarity with the global fight against terrorism. Their itinerary includes onward visits to Guyana, Panama, Brazil and Colombia, highlighting India’s growing outreach in the Americas.
Together, these parallel diplomatic efforts reflect New Delhi’s multipronged approach to enhancing its global stature through strategic dialogue, trade negotiations and international solidarity on security challenges.
