What's Brewing in the India-US Relationship? Insights from Ambassador Vinay Kwatra's Recent Meetings

Strengthening Ties: A Meeting of Minds

Washington: Vinay Kwatra, India's Ambassador to the United States, recently engaged in discussions with US Senator Bill Hagerty. Their conversation revolved around enhancing the bilateral partnership, focusing on ongoing negotiations for a beneficial trade agreement, boosting hydrocarbons trade, and collaborating on shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Kwatra expressed his gratitude for Senator Hagerty's unwavering support for India-US relations, stating, "It was an honor to host Senator Hagerty and his wife at our residence. We discussed various aspects of our bilateral partnership, including the ongoing trade deal talks and our commitment to addressing mutual challenges in the Indo-Pacific region," in a post on X.

It was an honor to welcome and host Senator @SenatorHagerty and Madam Hagerty at our residence. Deeply appreciate and value Senator’s strong support to the India-U.S ties. Discussed various facets of our bilateral partnership, including continuing ongoing talks on a mutually… pic.twitter.com/yXHuRAVOXX

— Amb Vinay Mohan Kwatra (@AmbVMKwatra) October 24, 2025

Earlier this week, Kwatra and his spouse participated in a Diwali celebration hosted by US President Donald Trump at the White House. The event also saw the presence of the new US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, along with FBI Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, alongside prominent business figures from the Indian community.

In a post on X, Kwatra remarked, "I was deeply honored to join President Trump at the White House for Diwali celebrations. I conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's wishes for a Happy Diwali and expressed gratitude for this thoughtful gesture. Warm Diwali greetings to everyone celebrating, especially the vibrant Indian diaspora in the US, which numbers around 5 million."

Deeply honoured to join President Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump @POTUS at the White House today to celebrate Diwali. Wished him on behalf of Prime Minister @narendramodi a Happy Diwali and thanked him for this beautiful gesture.

Warm Diwali greetings to all celebrating,… pic.twitter.com/G3jAvc0hpO

— Amb Vinay Mohan Kwatra (@AmbVMKwatra) October 22, 2025

During the event, Trump lit a diya in the Oval Office, describing it as a symbol of faith in the triumph of light over darkness, and extended his warmest wishes to the Indian populace. He praised Prime Minister Modi as a "great person" and expressed his affection for the Indian people.

Trump emphasized the significance of knowledge over ignorance and good over evil during Diwali, stating, "The glow of the diya flame reminds us to pursue wisdom and work diligently while being thankful for our blessings."

In a conversation with reporters, Trump mentioned his recent discussion with PM Modi, highlighting that both nations are "working on some great deals." He also reassured that India would not be purchasing significant amounts of oil from Russia, stating, "We have a very good relationship, and he’s not going to buy much oil from Russia. He wants to see that war end as much as with Russia, Ukraine."