Trade, defence, energy on table as top US official, Foreign Secretary hold talks

It said the discussions also covered “regional and global developments of mutual interest, with both sides underscoring their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific”. There was no mention of a Quad meeting in the readout.

It said that both sides welcomed the “steady progress” across existing dialogue mechanisms and agreed to give momentum to the implementation of “Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology (COMPACT) for the 21st Century” to drive transformative cooperation across key pillars of the partnership.

A US Embassy spokesperson said, “The meeting was an opportunity to translate President Trump and Prime Minister Modi’s vision from their February meeting into concrete progress that enhances US security, jobs, and competitiveness, while supporting India’s long-term goals.”

“The Under Secretary emphasised the US’s aim to deepen cooperation in defence, energy, technology, space, and trusted supply chains and the value of US-India cooperation that fuels US innovation while supporting India’s rise as a global technology leader,” the US embassy spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said that Under Secretary Hooker expressed appreciation for the Foreign Secretary’s continued partnership as both the US and India pursue shared priorities that “deliver tangible benefits” for the American people and complement India’s national objectives.

At a time when ties between India and US are strained over 50 per cent punitive tariffs imposed on Delhi, the US administration led by President Donald Trump sent one of the top officials to India for bilateral consultations. This appears to be an attempt to keep the political and strategic ties on track, even as the two sides are negotiating a bilateral trade deal.

According to the US embassy, Hooker will also visit Bengaluru and leave India on December 11. In Delhi, she also visited the Humayun’s Tomb complex.

In Bengaluru, she will visit the ISRO and meet leaders from India’s dynamic space, energy, and technology sectors to promote innovation in US-India research partnerships and to explore opportunities for expanded cooperation.