Something’s moving in India-US ties: EAM Jaishankar holds talks with US lawmakers amid strain

Meeting comes as New Delhi and Washington seek to steady ties strained by tariffs, trade disputes and policy differences.

• Jaishankar met US Congress members to discuss trade, security, and geopolitics.
• Tariffs and stalled trade talks strain India-US ties; focus on security cooperation.
• Congressional visits help maintain dialogue amid ongoing economic tensions

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday held talks with a visiting US Congressional delegation on trade, security and geopolitical issues, as India and the United States try to stabilise ties strained by tariffs and stalled trade negotiations.

The meeting assumes significance as relations remain under pressure following Washington’s decision to impose a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, including a 25 percent punitive levy linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil.

Trade deal remains the central fault line

The three-member delegation, Jimmy Patronis, Mike Rogers and Adam Smith, visited India at a time when both sides are attempting to revive negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement.

Despite multiple rounds of talks last year, the deal remains unresolved, largely due to US demands for greater access to India’s farm and dairy sectors, areas New Delhi has resisted opening up.

The tariff action has already raised costs for Indian exporters and hardened positions in the trade talks, making political engagement a necessary parallel track.

Focus on security and critical technologies

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who attended the meeting, described the discussions as “productive,” with a focus on strengthening cooperation in security, trade and critical technologies.

Just wrapped a productive meeting with EAM @DrSJaishankar, @RepMikeRogersAL, @RepAdamSmith, and @JimmyPatronis on ways to strengthen U.S.-India partnership for stronger security, expanded trade, and cooperation on critical technologies. https://t.co/kHfdkhBFtn

— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) January 25, 2026

In a post on X, Jaishankar said the interaction covered India-US ties, the Indo-Pacific and the Ukraine conflict, underlining that Congressional engagement remains an important channel in the relationship.

A good interaction with US Congressional Delegation comprising @RepMikeRogersAL, @RepAdamSmith and @JimmyPatronis along with @USAmbIndia. Discussed various aspects of India US ties, Indo Pacific and Ukraine conflict. Congressional interactions have always been an important… pic.twitter.com/zD1wjgEV5Z — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 25, 2026

The emphasis on security and technology reflects continuity in strategic cooperation, even as economic frictions persist.

Congressional channel as a stabiliser

Congressional visits have traditionally served as a buffer during difficult phases in India-US relations, allowing dialogue to continue even when executive-level decisions create friction.

This visit follows a series of high-level interactions, including meetings earlier this month between Jaishankar and US Senator Steve Daines, and talks between Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and American lawmakers.